Manual therapy is a method by which physiotherapists can assess and treat their clients with skilled hand movements and skilled passive movements of joints and soft tissue.  The intention is to improve tissue extensibility, increase range of motion, induce relaxation, mobilize or manipulate soft tissue and joints, modulate pain, change muscle function and improve movement patterns; and reduce soft tissue swelling, inflammation, or restriction.  Techniques may include mobilization or manipulation, passive range of motion, manual traction, manual lymphatic drainage, or massage.