What is the primary goal of manual therapy in physical therapy?

The primary goal of manual therapy in physical therapy is to provide hands-on techniques to relieve pain. This approach involves skilled hand movements to manipulate or mobilize soft tissues and joints, which can help reduce pain, improve mobility, and enhance overall function. The efficacy of manual therapy is often associated with its ability to directly address musculoskeletal issues, promote relaxation, and improve blood circulation, all of which contribute to pain reduction and the facilitation of the healing process.

While elements such as enhancing strength and endurance, improving patient education, and conducting behavioral assessments are important aspects of comprehensive physical therapy practice, they do not encapsulate the core purpose of manual therapy itself, which is primarily focused on alleviating discomfort through physical manipulation.