What is manual therapy?

• A. Electrical devices to stimulate muscles
• B. Cryotherapy applied to joints
• C. Hands-on techniques to improve soft tissue and joint mobility
• D. Exercises performed with therapists supervision

Answer: (C)

Manual therapy is about hands-on techniques used by clinicians to influence soft tissues and joints in order to restore movement, reduce pain, and improve function. This involves skilled touch such as joint mobilizations, soft tissue and myofascial work, and other manual maneuvers performed directly on the body to improve tissue extensibility and joint mechanics. The description fits this approach because it emphasizes direct contact and manipulation aimed at mobility, rather than relying on devices, cooling applications, or passive/active exercises. Electrical stimulation uses devices to activate muscles, cryotherapy applies cold, and supervised exercises are active movements led by a therapist—none of which are the hands-on tissue and joint techniques defined as manual therapy.