Your location: Essential Massage Therapy Home > Modalities > Joint Mobilization
JOINT MOBILIZATION
Joint mobilization is a hands-on manual therapy designed to restore normal joint play and subsequently normal range of motion. The therapist performs specific passive movement to a stiff joint within or to the limit of a joint's normal range of motion. Small passive movements usually applied as a series of gentle stretches in a smooth, rhythmic fashion to the individual joint. They are applied at various locations, at various angles, directed at relieving restriction in movement at any particular range Mobilization stretches stiff joints to restore range. It also relieves pain by using special techniques (especially effective with arthritic joints). May be administered in various degrees of pressure.
Mobilizations come in grades or levels, and these are:
"Grade One": very gentle mobilizations are used for very sensitive or acute patients to initiate more normal movement
"Grade Two's": for pain relief.
"Grade Three": both relieve pain and gently improve the range of motion of stiff joints.
"Grade Four's": for stretching tight tissues and restoring range in more chronic situations.
Mobilizations are safe because they are done slowly, and methodically. The Mobilizations procedure is mostly controlled by the patient. It is preferable for use with the elderly, as they may not be able to withstand deep tissue massage. It is the procedure of choice when a patient has severe muscle spasm and must be gradually introduced into relaxation and stretching.
Effects of Joint Mobilizations:
· Stretches adhesions in the soft tissue in and around restricted joints
· Creates a warming effect in the joint tissue
· Creates relaxation in surrounding musculature
· Decreases pain signals to the brain
· Stimulates lubrication within the joint and better cartilage nutrition
· Stimulates pain relief
· Increases proprioception (joint motion sense)
· Restoration of normal joint motion can result in increased muscular