How does a manual therapist differ from a physical therapist?

Treatment from a traditional physical therapist consists of exercises and stretches, with minimal to no hands-on therapy.  A manual therapist is a physical therapist who has undergone residency training in manual therapy, much as a physician would go through a residency to become a specialist.

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This training focuses on utilizing a hands-on approach in order to identify joint and muscle dysfunctions.  This allows for a more specific treatment through soft tissue mobilization, joint articulation or manipulation, and scientific therapeutic exercise progressions. These skills are in addition to the tools that a physical therapist possesses.