What is Joint Mobilisation?
Joint mobilisations involve carefully moving a joint in a specific manner to reduce pain and enhance its range of motion. This technique is a passive movement that can be applied to the spine or other joints, characterised by oscillatory movements. The patient can control these movements and stop them if desired.
Mobilisations can be performed at different grades or intensities, depending on the treatment goals and the severity of the condition.
Grades of Mobilisation
At the LBPC we utilise four grades of mobilisation, ranging from gentle movements for highly tender and painful conditions to more intense movements aimed at restoring normal mobility.
The intensity of the mobilisation is adjusted based on whether stiffness or pain is the primary issue, as painful joints may not tolerate high-grade mobilisations.
Grade 1
Grade 2
Grade 3
Grade 4
What are the benefits of Joint Mobilisations?
Joint mobilisations aim to increase range of movement in a joint that may be painful or stiff. It is a treatment modality that offers several therapeutic benefits, including:
Pain Relief
By reducing joint stiffness and improving alignment, joint mobilisations can alleviate pain. This is particularly useful for chronic conditions like arthritis or acute injuries.
Improved Function
Enhancing the movement and function of joints can lead to better overall physical performance and ease of movement.
Enhanced Circulation
Improved joint mobility can enhance blood flow to the area, promoting healing and reducing inflammation.
Prevention of Joint Degeneration
Regular mobilisation can maintain joint health and prevent the progression of degenerative conditions by keeping the joints moving properly.
Faster Recovery
Joint mobilisations can speed up recovery from injuries by improving joint function and reducing pain, allowing for more effective rehabilitation exercises.
Increased Range of Motion
Mobilisations help restore normal joint movement, making it easier to perform daily activities and improving overall flexibility.
Reduced Muscle Tension
Mobilisations can help relax surrounding muscles, reducing spasms and tightness that often accompany joint issues.
Nerve Function Improvement
Alleviating pressure on nerves through mobilisations can reduce symptoms like tingling, numbness, and weakness.
Better Posture
By correcting joint misalignments, mobilisations can contribute to improved posture and reduce strain on other parts of the body.
Individualised Treatment
Mobilisations can be tailored to each patient’s specific condition and tolerance level, ensuring a personalised and effective treatment approach.
What conditions can joint mobilisations treat?
Joint mobilisations can treat a variety of conditions, particularly those related to musculoskeletal and joint issues. Some of the conditions that can benefit from joint mobilisations include:
Arthritis: Mobilisations can help reduce pain and improve mobility in joints affected by osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.
Back Pain: Chronic and acute back pain, including conditions like lumbar spine dysfunction, can be alleviated through joint mobilisations.
Neck Pain: Mobilisations can be effective in treating cervical spine issues, providing relief from neck pain and associated headaches.
Shoulder Injuries: Conditions such as frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis), rotator cuff injuries, and impingement syndromes can benefit from shoulder joint mobilisations.
Knee Pain: Joint mobilisations can aid in the treatment of knee conditions like patellofemoral pain syndrome, meniscus injuries, and post-surgical rehabilitation.
Ankle Sprains: Mobilisations can help restore normal joint function and reduce pain following ankle sprains and other ankle injuries.
Hip Pain: Conditions such as hip osteoarthritis and labral tears can be managed with hip joint mobilisations to improve mobility and reduce discomfort.
Elbow and Wrist Pain: Issues like tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis), golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis), and wrist sprains can be treated with joint mobilisations.
Sciatica: Mobilisations can alleviate pressure on the sciatic nerve, reducing pain and improving mobility.
Postural Problems: Mobilisations can correct joint restrictions that contribute to poor posture and related discomfort.
