What am I really "fixing" when I treat a patient?

We are all made up of a variety of different kinds of cells.  Common cells work together for form different tissues (muscle, bone, skin etc.)  Groups of tissues work together to form organs (liver, heart, lungs etc).  Organs coordinate with each other to form numerous systems in the body (cardiovascular system, urinary system, muscular system).  These systems are interconnected and communicate with each other to allow for complex functions. 

As a therapist, what I am really doing is influencing cells.  Sometimes it is difficult to understand what we are doing because we can't actually see these cells!  When I treat a tissue (lets say muscle, but remember, I am treating more than just muscle!) I am looking to do is to stimulate cells (fibroblasts) and induce healing.  Treatment also affects the other systems in the body (for example, muscles and nerves are very closely related).   

How we influence these cells is through putting different strain through them (tension, compression, shear, stretch).  This is the aim of many soft tissue techniques.  Stretching/tensioning ligaments and joint capsules affects the nervous system.  This is how mobilizations and adjusting techniques work. 

Many cells in the body have an amazing ability to regenerate (fibroblasts are amazing, neurons not so much).  Though cells can coordinate and heal the body on their own, sometimes they need a bit of a push in the right direction to get them there faster!