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Manual Therapy — Joint Mobilisation

Hands-on physical therapy techniques applying graded oscillatory or sustained forces to joints to restore motion and reduce pain.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon department. Book Appointment →

What is Manual Therapy — Joint Mobilisation?

Manual therapy joint mobilisation refers to passive, skilled hands-on techniques in which graded oscillatory or sustained physiological or accessory movements are applied to a joint to improve range of motion, reduce pain and modulate muscle tone.

Common grading systems include Maitland (grades I to V) and Kaltenborn (sustained traction or glides at slack, taken-up or end-range positions); selection depends on irritability, stage and goals.

Indications include painful and stiff joints in osteoarthritis, after fracture or surgery, frozen shoulder, mechanical neck and back pain and following ankle sprain; high-velocity manipulation (grade V) is reserved for selected mechanical disorders.

Proposed mechanisms include neurophysiological hypoalgesia, restoration of arthrokinematic glide, mechanical stretch of capsular structures and reflex muscle relaxation; benefits are typically short-term and require integration with exercise.

Contraindications include fractures, severe osteoporosis, infection, malignancy, vascular disease, inflammatory arthropathy in flare, segmental instability, anticoagulation with bleeding risk and patients unable to consent or report symptoms.

Symptoms

Painful, stiff joint after injury or surgery
Loss of range of motion in shoulder, neck or back
Mechanical osteoarthritis with functional limitation
Stiffness after immobilisation or plaster
Pain with specific joint movements

Risk Factors

Sedentary or repetitive occupational use
Previous joint injury or surgery
Age-related osteoarthritis
Hypermobility or generalised joint laxity
Postural and biomechanical abnormalities

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Joint pain that fails to settle with self-care
  • Severe pain at night or rest
  • Joint instability or giving way
  • Red flags such as fever, weight loss or known cancer
  • Neurological symptoms (numbness, weakness, bladder dysfunction)

Treatment Methods

01
Detailed musculoskeletal assessment and exclusion of red flags
02
Selection of grade and direction of mobilisation by trained physiotherapist
03
Combination with active exercise (range, strengthening, motor control)
04
Patient education on activity modification and pacing
05
Avoidance of mobilisation in the presence of contraindications
06
Outcome measurement (pain, range of motion, function)
07
Referral to surgery or injection when appropriate

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon Department

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.