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joint mobilisation for pain

Joint mobilisation is a hands-on therapy technique involving passive manipulation of a joint, capsule, and surrounding connective tissues. This method aims to alleviate stiffness, pain, and a restricted range of motion. By carefully applying specific movements, our expert therapists work to restore optimal joint function, ensuring improved mobility and comfort.

At MHV Clinic, we specialise in tailored joint mobilisation techniques to meet each individual’s unique needs. Whether recovering from an injury, dealing with chronic joint pain, or looking to improve your flexibility, we are here to help.

What Is Joint Mobilisation?

Joint mobilisation is a manual therapy technique that involves carefully applied pressure, movement, or manipulation of a joint to help improve its range of motion and reduce pain. During a joint mobilisation therapy session, a practitioner uses controlled force to stimulate movement in areas that may be restricted or stiff, often due to injury, chronic conditions, or everyday wear and tear.

How Joint Mobilisation Works

By applying gentle oscillatory movements or sustained pressure, practitioners can help ease tension, reduce inflammation, and encourage the body’s natural healing processes. These techniques focus on the soft tissues, muscles, tendons, and ligaments around the joint, allowing them to relax and move more freely. When done correctly, joint mobilisation therapy can help restore function and reduce discomfort, making it valuable in many treatment plans for acute and chronic pain conditions.

Purpose of Joint Mobilisation

  1. Pain Relief: Regular joint mobilisation aims to decrease pain by releasing pressure and stiffness in the affected joint.
  2. Improved Mobility: Enhancing the joint’s flexibility and range of motion allows for more natural, fluid movement in daily activities and sports.
  3. Prevention of Further Injury: Joint mobilisation can help prevent compensatory movements that might lead to additional strain or injury by maintaining or restoring proper alignment.
  4. Rehabilitation Support: Joint mobilisation is crucial for regaining function and preventing long-term stiffness after surgery or trauma.

Manual Therapy Techniques Used in Joint Mobilisation

  • Oscillatory Movements: Repetitive, rhythmic motions applied to the joint to alleviate tension.
  • Sustained Stretching: A steady, gentle stretch held for a short duration to lengthen and relax surrounding tissues.
  • Passive Range of Motion Exercises: Movements guided entirely by the therapist to encourage proper alignment and mobility.

These manual therapy techniques are tailored to each person’s condition, ensuring the proper pressure level is used without causing additional discomfort.

Types of Joint Mobilisation

  • Grade I and II Mobilisations: Focused on pain relief, using small, gentle movements that do not stress the joint significantly.
  • Grade III and IV Mobilisations: Designed to improve the joint’s range of motion by applying slightly deeper pressure, going closer to the end of the joint’s standard movement capacity.
  • Grade V Mobilisations (High-Velocity Thrusts): These are often called manipulations. They are more forceful, quick, and sometimes used when more profound movement is necessary. They require advanced training and are usually performed by specialists.

Who Can Benefit from Joint Mobilisation Therapy?

Joint mobilisation therapy can be highly effective for people with:

  • Chronic joint pain, such as osteoarthritis
  • Sports injuries that limit movement or cause stiffness
  • Post-surgical rehabilitation needs
  • Neck, back, or shoulder discomfort
  • Limited mobility due to prolonged inactivity
joint mobilisation for pain