Joint Mobilization and its Resultant Effects

Abstract

Joint mobilization also called joint manipulation technique commonly used in a clinical setting to improve the range of movement of a joint in order to prevent stiffness and pain. Any joint which presents with pain or stiffness can be treated with mobilization except in rare instances such as where there is malignancy, bone infection, spinal cord compression or unhealed fracture. There are different grades of mobilization used to treat various conditions. Where there is significant local pain and inflammation, gentle mobilization is used (Grade 1 or 2) to help with pain relief and reduce inflammation by promoting movement. In conditions where there is not much pain but rather the main problem is joint stiffness, then a more vigorous mobilizing technique (Grade 3 or 4) can be used to help restore full range of movement. The manipulation can be considered as an advanced way of joint mobilization, because it shares the same biomechanical principles. So, in OMT, the manipulation consists on a linear translatoric movement (traction or gliding) performed in the joint’s resting position, through a high velocity, low amplitude and low force thrust. These linear translatoric thrust techniques are technically more difficult to perform, but equally effective and much safer than the rotatory thrusts that have been traditionally performed. The manipulations are performed with the aim of obtaining joint surface separation and restoring the gliding component in joints that, even if they show an appropriate end-feel, they are hypomobile when examining them. It is a very effective technique if it is performed correctly and if it is indicated, but in the opposite cases it also carries serious injury risk. Because of the risk it can carry, and because of the expertise grade it requires for its execution, the manipulation training, mainly in the spine, for those physical therapists who have demonstrated their experience in the joint mobilization. However, basic low risk and equally ...