Joint Mobilisations

Joint mobilisations are a manual therapy technique used to treat joint pain and stiffness, these can be performed on both spinal and peripheral joints. This is a painless treatment, however the patient may experience some discomfort whilst the therapist is performing the mobilisation, depending what mobilisation grade is chosen for the individual.

How Does It Work?

Joint mobilisations are small or large movements of the joint performed passively by the therapist. There are I - IV grades, the grade chosen by the therapist will depend on what stage your injury is at and your symptoms shown on the day. Grades I - II are primarily used to treat pain and irritability, where grades III - IV are used to treat joint stiffness. The small movements activate the sensory nerves, which alters the body's perception of pain, this is known as the "Pain Gate Theory". The large movements help to stretch the joint capsule, improving its mobility and reducing stiffness.