Phase of repair. The fibrotic tissues secrete a protein collagenous glue to bind the fibers as a repairing mechanism. Phase of remodeling. And so manipulation and some adjustments to at least some spinal articulations have a beneficial effect on supportive soft tissues more than would exercise or massage due to the ROM effected. Well we need to further define what is reasonably accepted in some professional dialogue as to the difference between manipulation and adjustment.
Manipulation is a general introduction of force to an articulation.
It often in spinal care practices includes a bilateral approach to the introduction of force. Repeating this maneuver identically to the right would be considered a general manipulation and could be done in many places along the spine using different levers and fulcrums and different positions for the person being manipulated. Manipulation accomplishes excursion throughout all three ROM's without consideration for a predetermined vector that may be begging for an actual alignment to an articulation. It is believed by some that joints with symphyseal attachments can be only manipulated and not adjusted. The adjustment is made with a proper predetermined vector and magnitude of force utilizing adequate fulcrums and levers.