Joint mobilisation is a passive treatment technique that can be performed on any joint in the body. These techniques are utilized to return the joint to a normal level of function. They facilitate this by reducing stiffness, increasing the range of motion and/or reducing pain in the joint.The joints in our bodies are often a source of pain. This can be due to problems within the joint, for example arthritis (wear and tear/degeneration) or due to problems with the soft tissues that surround the joint.
These joint problems arise due to age related changes or from a trauma resulting in inflammation in or around the joint. The resulting joint stiffness and restriction prevents “normal” movement. Over time, this may present as pain on certain movements and may lead to abnormal compensation movement patterns.
Joint mobilisations carried out by a trained physiotherapist will aim to alleviate the stiffness and pain within the joint. Joint mobilisation is not a painful technique. You may feel slight discomfort or a sensation of increased pressure around the area being worked on. Typically, after treatment your physiotherapist will prescribe you with an exercise program to maintain or improve the increase in range that joint mobilisation will have achieved.