Manipulation therapy involves the use of human touch or mechanical devices to improve body movement. Manipulation therapy is used to treat a variety of injuries, conditions and diseases such as back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, headaches, arthritis and fibromyalgia.

The many types of manipulation therapy include chiropractic medicine, massage therapy, osteopathic medicine and acupressure.

Before therapy, a practitioner may conduct a physical examination and review the patient's medical history and list of medications. Patients may be asked to describe their pain symptoms.

Potential benefits of manipulation therapy include relief of pain and improvement in mobility and function. There are few risks associated with most types of manipulation therapy. However, some patients may experience no improvement or an increase in their pain. In rare cases, manipulation of the cervical spine has resulted in stroke.

Many people turn to manipulation therapies when they cannot alleviate pain with traditional medical therapies. Although there is little documented risk associated with manipulation therapy, few clinical trials have been performed to evaluate the effects of most types of manipulation therapy.