The planned and carefully managed manual movement of the musculoskeletal system, extremities,
and spine to produce increased motion. The term is sometimes used to denote a precise
sequence of movements of a joint to determine the presence of disease or to reduce
a dislocation. In the case of fractures, orthopedic manipulation can produce better
position and alignment of the fracture. (From Blauvelt & Nelson, A Manual of Orthopaedic
Terminology, 5th ed, p264)