treatment. Proponents claim this may reduce inflammation. Science writer Paul Ingraham notes that there is no evidence to support the claim. Friction massage is said to increase mobilization of adhesions between fascial layers, muscles, compartments and other soft tissues. They are thought to create an inflammatory response and instigate focus to injured areas. A 2002 systematic review found that no additional benefit was incurred from the inclusion of deep tissue friction massage in a therapeutic regimen, although the conclusions were limited by the small sample sizes in available randomized clinical trials. Soft Tissue Technique is firm, direct pressure to relax hypertonic muscles and stretch tight fascial structures. A 2015 review concluded that the technique is ineffective for lower back pain, and the quality of research testing its effectiveness is poor. Trigger point techniques claim to address myofascial trigger points, though the explanation of how this works is controversial. Stretching From the main article's effectiveness section: Apart from before running, stretching does not appear to reduce risk of injury during exercise. Some evidence shows that pre-exercise stretching may increase range of movement. The Mayo Clinic advises against bouncing, and to hold for thirty seconds. They suggest warming up before stretching or stretching post-exercise. Taping Manual therapy practitioners often use therapeutic taping to relieve pressure on injured soft tissue, alter muscle firing patterns or prevent re-injury. Some techniques are designed to enhance lymphatic fluid exchange. After a soft tissue injury to muscles or tendons from sports activities, over exertion or repetitive strain injury swelling may impede blood flow to the area and slow healing. Elastic taping methods may relieve pressure from swollen tissue and enhance circulation to the injured area. According to the medical and skeptical community there is no known benefit from this technique and it is a pseudoscience. Styles of manual therapy There are many different styles of manual therapy. It is a fundamental feature of ayurvedic medicine, traditional Chinese medicine and some forms of alternative medicine as well as being used by mainstream medical practitioners. Hands-on bodywork is a feature of therapeutic interactions in traditional cultures around the world. Acupressure Anma Bobath concept Bodywork (alternative medicine) Bone setting Bowen Technique Chiropractic Cranio-sacral therapy Dorn method Joint manipulation Joint mobilization Spinal manipulation Spinal mobilization Massage therapy Manual lymphatic drainage Medical acupuncture Muscle energy techniques Myofascial release (MFR) Myotherapy Naprapathy Osteopathic manipulative medicine Osteopathy Physiotherapy Polarity therapy Postural Integration Rolfing Shiatsu