Hands-on techniques in manipulative and body-based practices work primarily with the body’s structural framework. The main goal is to restore proper alignment and movement by addressing the skeletal system—the bones and joints that form the core scaffolding and pivot points for the body’s motion. When joints are restricted or misaligned, movement patterns become faulty and soft tissues and nerves can become irritated or compensatory tensions develop. By applying precise manual forces, mobilizations, and adjustments to the bones and joints, these modalities aim to improve range of motion, reduce pain, and rebalance the mechanical function of the body. Endocrine glands aren’t the direct focus of these practices, as they’re internal organs involved in hormone production and not typically targeted by manual manipulation. The nervous system can be influenced indirectly through touch and stretch, but it isn’t the primary target. Skin and hair are external tissues that aren’t the focus of joint- or bone-directed techniques.