In manual therapy, practitioners use their hands to put pressure on muscle tissue and manipulate joints in an attempt to decrease back pain caused by muscle spasm, muscle tension, and joint dysfunction.

Skilled hand movements intended to improve tissue extensibility, increase range of motion of the complex, mobilize or manipulate soft tissues and joints; induce relaxation; change muscle function; modulate pain; reduce soft tissue swelling, inflammation or movement restriction i.e. ‘’Hands-on’’ treatment provided by the physiotherapist.