According to the International Federation of Orthopedic Manipulative Physical Therapists (IFOMPT), manual therapy involves skilled hand movements intended to produce any or all of the following effects: improve tissue extensibility; increase range of motion of the joint complex; mobilize or manipulate soft tissues and joints; induce relaxation; change muscle function; modulate pain; and reduce soft tissue swelling, inflammation or movement restriction. Manual therapy includes, but is not limited to:

• Soft tissue massage: Physiotherapy massage treatment is different from those that you experience in a spa or massage center. We use this as a method to mobilize the soft tissues and break up scar tissues and adhesions caused by an injury.
  
  
• Joint mobilization: Joint mobilization is a skilled passive movement applied to the joint complex at varying speeds and amplitudes with the intent to restore optimal motion, function and/or to reduce pain.
  
  
• Manual traction: A gentle and constant force will be applied to a certain body area to gently stretch the soft tissue to regain normal movement.