Joint Mobilisation

Joint mobilisation techniques focus on attaining a normal range of pain-free joint motion. Nearly every restriction in movement can be regained by a specific joint technique performed by an experienced musculoskeletal physiotherapist. And the good news is … joint mobilisation techniques have certainly improved over the years with very gentle and pain-free options available.

The old crunch and munch, click and pop techniques are thankfully a thing of the past! Plus, it is also very important not to overstretch a joint to create hypermobility or instability. Hypermobile joints require different treatment techniques to a stiff joint.

For the best advice and an individual assessment please consult your physiotherapist.

Why do Joints Stiffen or Lock Up?
Joint stiffness or a locked joint can be associated with any joint, muscle, tendon and ligament injury. Plus, joints can lock and become stuck in an open or closed position. Much like a door that doesn’t quite fully swing open or close, it runs into something and it becomes stiff and/or painful.

Normally, a simple alignment or control issue has caused the joint to move in an awkward and unnatural direction. As a result, the joint treatment method used to correct your locked joints will vary depending upon your physiotherapist’s diagnosis.

After a diligent assessment, your physiotherapist will discuss with you what techniques would be the most effective, safe and pain-free. Then, they’ll quickly start fixing your problem.

Common Examples of Joint Mobilisation & Pain Relief Techniques may include:

• Gentle Joint Mobilisations (eg Maitland, Mulligan, Kaltenborn techniques)
• Mobility Exercises (eg McKenzie exercises)
• Minimal Energy Techniques (Osteopathic-based active joint repositioning techniques)
• Joint Manipulation
• Traction / Distraction Techniques

At Befit Physiotherapy, we understand that you may be anxious with certain treatment methods. You’ll be pleased to know that we can offer you the latest safe, gentle and effective joint mobilisation and pain relief treatment approaches.