By definition, “manual” refers to the hands, especially work done by the hands. Manual therapy is the use of hands-on techniques to evaluate, treat, and improve the status of neuromusculoskeletal conditions. The hands of a physical therapist are a powerful assessment and treatment tool. Manual therapies are time-consuming when compared to the simple task of administering a patient to a therapeutic machine.  However, they are recognized as important techniques in controlling pain, restoring normal range of motion, and treating specialized conditions such as myofascial pain syndrome.