Manual therapy techniques* are skilled hand movements and skilled passive movements of joints and soft tissue and are intended to improve tissue extensibility; increase range of motion; induce relaxation; mobilize or manipulate soft tissue and joints; modulate pain; and reduce soft tissue swelling, inflammation, or restriction. Techniques may include manual lymphatic drainage, manual traction, massage, mobilization/manipulation, and passive range of motion.

Therapeutic exercise *is the systematic performance or execution of planned physical movements or activities intended to enable the patient or client to remediate or prevent impairments of body functions and structures, enhance activities and participation, reduce risk, optimize overall health, and enhance fitness and well-being. Therapeutic exercise may include aerobic and endurance conditioning and reconditioning; agility training; body mechanics training; breathing exercises; coordination exercises; developmental activities training; muscle lengthening; movement pattern training; neuromotor development activities training; neuromuscular education or reeducation; perceptual training; range of motion exercises and soft tissue stretching; relaxation exercises; and strength, power, and endurance exercises.

Gait* is the manner in which a person walks, characterized by rhythm, cadence, step, stride, and speed.

The physical therapist uses tests and measures to determine the presence and underlying cause of gait deviations. Responses monitored at rest, during activity, and after activity may indicate the presence or severity of an impairment, activity limitation, or participation restriction.

Dry needling* is a skilled intervention that uses a thin filiform needle to penetrate the skin and stimulate underlying myofascial trigger points, muscular, and connective tissues for the management of neuromusculoskeletal pain and movement impairments. Dry needling (DN) is a technique used to treat dysfunctions in skeletal muscle, fascia, and connective tissue, and, diminish persistent peripheral nociceptive input, and reduce or restore impairments of body structure and function leading to improved activity and participation.

Balance training* 

Balance is the ability to maintain the body in equilibrium with gravity both statically (ie, while stationary) and dynamically (ie, while moving), and while upright (ie, standing, ambulating) and while sitting (ie, supported, unsupported).

The physical therapist uses tests and measures to determine an individual’s level of balance. Responses monitored at rest, during activity, and after activity may indicate the presence or severity of an impairment, activity limitation, participation restriction, or disability.

*Information obtained from The Guide to Physical Therapist Practice