Your body has hundreds of joints, from hinge joints in the elbow to ball-and-socket joints in the hip and saddle joints in the thumb. These joints rely on the right balance of mobility and stability to help you function efficiently and comfortably. Joint mobilization is a type of manual therapy in which a physical therapist uses skilled, passive movement of a specific joint—sometimes with the hands and sometimes with tools or straps—to create the desired treatment effect. The force, direction, speed, and frequency are selected for your treatment goal, the joint involved, and your individual anatomy. Primary effects can include pain reduction, improved range of motion, and improved quality of joint movement.
An irritated, swollen, or misaligned joint may not move correctly, becoming stiff and painful. Nearby muscles, tendons, and ligaments can become tense as they try to support the area. After a thorough evaluation, our physical therapists may use joint mobilization as part of care for arthritis—especially in the shoulder, spine, elbow, hip, and knee—rotator cuff tears and sprains, frozen shoulder, golfer’s or tennis elbow, ankle sprains, sciatica and other nerve impingement syndromes, facet joint locking, spinal misalignments, and whiplash. Joint problems may also contribute to muscle strains, ligament damage, and bursitis. Because this approach is not right for every patient, your therapist will determine whether it is appropriate for you.
At your initial examination, we assess range of motion, strength, coordination, pain level, posture, and tissue tension to help form an accurate diagnosis. We also listen to your current concerns and medical history before creating a customized plan. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing so your therapist can easily assess the area while respecting your privacy and comfort. We will explain how to sit or lie down, what you may feel during treatment, and how to maximize the effects afterward. Joint mobilization may be complemented by therapeutic exercise for strength and range of motion, modalities, and postural or neuromuscular retraining—helping you build on the movement gains made in the clinic.