Manual therapy is hands-on treatment. Your physical therapist uses their hands to move stiff joints, work on tight or guarded muscles and stretch tissue that isn't gliding well, guided by an understanding of anatomy and how injuries heal.

It's often most helpful early in recovery, when pain is higher and movement is limited. Hands-on work can help a muscle relax, improve how far a joint moves and ease pain.

As you improve, it's paired with active exercise such as strengthening and balance work, so the progress you make lasts.