The well-trained manual therapist has a thorough knowledge of physiology as well as pathology of the musculoskeletal system. With this knowledge, your therapist can perform a very comprehensive evaluation leading to a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs. Additionally, the manual therapist possesses a set of hands-on treatment skills, which can help restore normal mobility and range of motion while decreasing pain and improving one's overall function. This is accomplished through the mobilization and/or manipulation of joints and the surrounding soft tissue as well as through manual stretching and therapeutic massage. The benefits of manual therapy techniques are often reinforced by specific exercise routines and daily activity modifications. The patient may then be educated on how they can maintain proper flexibility and strength so one can return to normal activities of daily living.