Mobilization exercises are designed to reduce pain and restore normal function. This physical therapy technique resembles how healthy joints move naturally, with less restriction, helping the muscles relax.

Your physical therapist may recommend joint mobilization in addition to other therapies, such as heating pads or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), to further loosen up the joint and make mobilization more effective.

After your diagnostic appointment, your physical therapist may recommend joint mobilization as part of your treatment process. You will begin in a comfortable position where you can relax and allow the joint to move freely. Your physical therapist will use their hands to access the stiff joint and apply gentle force as needed to move the joint in the appropriate direction.

Your physical therapist may use more force and higher speed mobilizations as you progress through treatment.

Your physical therapist can tell if joint mobilization is appropriate for your condition by assessing your range of motion and muscle strength. Joint mobilization exercises may be recommended if you have any of the following conditions:

• Generalized stiffness in joints
• Limited range of motion due to injury or disease, such as arthritis
• Sports-related injuries that cause pain and limited mobility, such as joint inflammation (bursitis), ligament sprains or frozen shoulder
• Any physical problem that causes musculoskeletal pain or stiffness, including poor posture

When provided by a certified physical therapist, manipulation therapy from our Winchester professionals has many clinically-proven effects, including:

• Pain relief
• Faster recovery time
• Improved function
• Enhanced flexibility