Manual therapy is a clinical approach using skilled, hands-on techniques to diagnose and treat joint and soft tissue structures for the purpose of reducing pain and inflammation, increasing movement and restoring tissue extensibility and function.

Mobilization and manipulation techniques are passive movements applied at varying speeds and amplitudes, aimed at restoring full painless joint function.

Active muscle energy techniques use a voluntary contraction of muscles against a controlled counterforce to mobilize joints, lengthen shortened muscles, or reduce edema.

Soft tissue mobilization techniques affect the myofascial system and are used to restore muscle fibre gliding, free fascial restrictions and release trigger points associated with muscle tightness.