Manual Therapy - Joint Mobilization
Joint mobilizations are techniques utilized by physical therapists to increase or improve arthrokinematic motion at a joint. They involve the therapist using his or her hands to stabilize a joint as well as applying motion through the joint surfaces passively as the patient relaxes.
Joint mobilization can be performed on virtually any articulation in the body from the temporomandibular joint to the spine and from the fingers to the toes.
Manual therapy also includes soft tissue techniques such as myofascial release which stretches connective tissues, positional release which resets nerve receptors in the muscles and tendons causing them to reduce tension, Augmented Soft Tissue Mobilization or ASTYM, and others. These techniques aid in restoring normal joint range of motion, decrease pain and allow improved ability to resume full activity symptom free.
Manual therapy is typically followed by strengthening exercises to create and maintain joint stability and stretching exercises to maintain the appropriate joint motion.