What conditions can benefit from joint mobilization?

Sometimes, a joint can become irritated, swollen, or misaligned as a result of injury, stress, poor posture, repetitive movement, or even as a result of age-related wear and tear. When this happens, the joint may not move correctly and become stiff and painful.

Specific conditions which our physical therapy team successfully manage with joint mobilizations include:

  • Arthritis (especially of the shoulder, spine, elbow, hip, and knee)
  • Rotator cuff tears and sprains
  • Adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder)
  • Medial or lateral epicondylitis (golfer’s or tennis elbow, respectively)
  • Ankle sprains
  • Sciatica and other types of nerve impingement syndromes
  • Facet joint locking and other types of spinal misalignments
  • Patellofemoral syndrome

What are the benefits?

Initially in treatment, joint mobilizations help to control pain caused by damage or injury. Throughout treatment, joint mobilizations improve joint mobility, decrease muscle spasms and tension and increase range of motion in the affected joint.