Move freely again with joint mobilization
Have you heard of joint mobilization?
Joint mobilization is an extremely helpful treatment option that can ease achy, painful joints; however, many patients don’t know about its benefits.
Fortunately, joint mobilization is a type of manual therapy performed at our physical therapy clinics in Utah, Idaho, and Montana.
This form of treatment involves the passive movement of specific joints using the skilled application of force, direction, and technique.
With joint mobilization, our physical therapists can use their hands to mobilize an affected joint or may use tools, including straps, to help deliver the desired treatment effect.
If you believe you could benefit from our joint mobilization techniques, contact Mountain Land Physical Therapy Partners today for more information!
Key takeaways
- What it is: A manual therapy technique involving the passive movement of joints to restore motion and reduce pain.
- How it works: Physical therapists use skilled force and direction to mobilize specific joints, sometimes using tools like straps.
- Conditions treated: Effective for arthritis, sciatica, frozen shoulder, whiplash, and sports injuries like rotator cuff tears.
- Benefits: Improved range of motion, reduced inflammation, and better joint mechanics (arthrokinematics).
- Personalized care: Every treatment starts with a thorough evaluation of strength, posture, and coordination to create a custom plan.
What to expect during a joint mobilization session
If you come to see a physical therapist at Mountain Land Physical Therapy Partners with acute or chronic joint pain, then you can first expect to be thoroughly evaluated on an initial examination.
During your initial examination, we will evaluate:
- Range of motion and strength
- Coordination and posture
- Pain levels and tissue tension
- Medical history and current symptoms
Based on our exam findings, as well as the information we glean from questioning you about your current and past medical history, we’ll be able to devise a customized treatment plan to meet your unique needs.
Since joint mobilization techniques are effective for a variety of conditions, we may include this type of manual therapy in your plan of care.
To prepare for a physical therapy session with joint mobilization at Mountain Land Physical Therapy Partners, wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.
Our therapist will need to be able to see or, at a minimum, easily palpate (feel) the specific joint they’re mobilizing, keeping in mind that your privacy and comfort are of utmost concern to our staff.
Our physical therapist will also provide clear instructions on how to sit or lie during the session, what to expect to feel, and what to do after your session to maximize the effects and prevent recurring pain or dysfunction.
To complement and optimize the effects of joint mobilizations, we’ll also instruct you in additional services, including therapeutic exercises for strengthening and range of motion, modalities, and postural and neuromuscular retraining.
Is joint mobilization right for me?
Sometimes, a joint can become irritated, swollen, or misaligned due to injury, stress, poor posture, repetitive movement, or age-related wear and tear.
When this happens, the joint may not move properly, becoming stiff and painful.
Nearby structures, including muscles, tendons, and ligaments, may become tense or injured as a compensatory response to supporting or stabilizing the injured joint.
This can lead to muscle weakness or even impingement and damage to nearby nerves.
Joint mobilization isn’t appropriate for all patients, and our skilled, experienced physical therapists can determine whether it’s right for you or a loved one.
What does joint mobilization help with?
Specific conditions that our physical therapy team successfully manages with joint mobilizations include:
- Whiplash
- Ankle sprains
- Rotator cuff tears and sprains
- Sciatica and other types of nerve impingement syndromes
- Arthritis (especially of the shoulder, spine, elbow, hip, and knee)
- Adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder)
- Medial or lateral epicondylitis (golfer’s or tennis elbow, respectively)
- Facet joint locking and other types of spinal misalignments
Joint issues are often the underlying factors driving other injuries and ailments, including muscle strains, ligament damage, and bursitis.
Ready to experience pain relief? We strongly encourage you to consult with a physical therapist for any acute or chronic dysfunction.
Your joints could be contributing to your pain without you even realizing it!
Key facts about joint mobilization
Joints, formed by the articulating surfaces of two or more bones, depend on a combination of both stability and mobility to help you function efficiently and comfortably.
Importantly, joints are supported by a wide variety of physiological structures, including capsules, ligaments, tendons, cartilage, and muscle fibers, all of which can become injured and potentially benefit from physical therapy services, including joint mobilization.
Your body contains hundreds of joints of various types, including:
- Hinge joints: Found in the elbow and knee.
- Ball and socket joints: Found in the hip and shoulder.
- Saddle joints: Found in the thumb.
The specific type, magnitude, speed, and frequency of joint mobilization performed depend on several factors, including the goal of treatment, the type of joint being targeted, and even your own unique anatomy.
The benefits of joint mobilizations include pain reduction, improved range of motion, and improved quality of joint movement itself (known as arthrokinematics).
Mobilize your joints with a physical therapist
Is joint mobilization right for you? Request an appointment at Mountain Land Physical Therapy Partners today to learn about the wide range of physical therapy services we offer.
Drug-free relief from your joint or muscle pain is possible. Get your healing journey started today!
Your next steps
- Request an appointment
- Receive a custom treatment plan
- Work hard and progress in your recovery
- Recover & enjoy life pain-free!
Take control of your health today.