Manual therapists may employ various methods of manipulation and mobilization and use techniques or aids such as the application of heat or cold modalities, exercise, hydrotherapy, radiant, mechanical, and electrical energy. These are rare and occur mostly in the extremities of the body such as the arm and the leg. In all cases it is important to know if the patient has some underlying condition, such as a fractured bone or a cancer of the spinal vertebrae. In that event, a proper medical diagnosis should be sought from a physician who may utilize x-rays, blood tests, or whatever other means are available. Manipulation cannot be used to correct unequal leg lengths in children.
Manual therapists recognize that total body x-rays are dangerous for children.
Manipulation cannot be used to treat or to alter the course of conditions such as infantile colic, skin eczema, learning disorders, ear infections, respiratory tract infections, strabismus, asthma, any infectious disease process, any state of decreased immunity, any form of learning disorders6, or other medical or surgical conditions. The value of manipulation in children is unproven, and it may be dangerous. It is unethical to manipulate a joint which is essentially normal. There is no scientific evidence to support its usefulness in other medical conditions, such as allergic disease, or endocrine disease, and its use in children should be limited to mobilization. Mechanical Force, Manually Assisted Short Lever Chiropractic Adjustment.