Manual Physical Therapy is a specialization within the practice of Physical Therapy where hands on / manual contact is a primary tool for the:​

- Examination
- Clinical reasoning processes
- Treatment
- Reassessment

The specific feel or mobility of a person's joints and soft tissues plays a primary role in informing the Manual Physical Therapist what needs be done to help. Proficiency usually requires years of specific training and mentorship outside what can be taught in a Physical Therapy Doctoral Program.