A rationale for manipulative medicine.

AbstractArticulations in the cranial, spinal, and pelvic regions, as well as those of the appendages, are designed for specific functions and movements, and all the tissues in the area will perform their jobs best when the articulations are physiologically sound. When the movements of any of these articulations are compromised by disease, trauma, or other problems, the tissues will become subject to dysfunction and pain. Manipulation of the altered structures is helpful for restoring these articulations to their normal limits of movement and can also help to speed healing by returning the tissues to a more normal state.