That is not to say that physical therapy is all about giving advice and sending you on your way--it is so much more. Education about your condition is very important but so is the utilization of hands-on techniques. Such techniques include therapeutic dry needling, mobilization, muscle energy, PNF(Proprioceptive Neuromuscular techniques) and yes, some soft tissue techniques. Exercise on-site with guidance is also very important. To move better, often muscles need to be retrained and strengthened. No mindless exercise here-we want the muscles to move joints as they were intended to move. To do this, it takes a lot of concentration and attention to improve the performance of muscles so they can better support your joints. As you start to move the joints with the appropriate alignment and muscle pull--change occurs. There is less irritation to the muslces and joints-You feel better!