It's hard to get a clear description of integrated manual physical therapy. It's not like heart surgery, where physicians will tell you what they cut and sew and why.

Practitioners of the physical therapy subspecialty use words like "opening channels" and "clearing restrictions."

What?

It's hard to tell a layman how they do it, they say, because it varies so much depending on what the injury is.

Finally, in frustration, I asked physical therapist Jane Glaser-Gormally if she could show me what she might do to treat a specific complaint.

I have a bum shoulder, wracked with pain for no apparent reason. A decade ago, a doctor rebuilt the other shoulder, something I'd just as soon avoid repeating, although the results were very good.

She had me take off my shoes and lie on the table, then she fussed with the soles of my feet for a few seconds. It didn't tickle or hurt.

Next, she moved to the top of the table and gently cupped my shoulder in her hands. The touch was subtle, much lighter than the clasp of a tepid handshake.

I felt a little dart of pain move toward my spine for a second. I'd swear the shoulder joint never moved.

She did this for a couple of minutes. When it was over, the pain was gone. In the four days since, it has returned a bit, but in a much milder form. And it's lessening, my arm much looser and relaxed.

The only trouble is, I'm no closer to a description. I still have no idea what she did during the mini treatment.