Joint Mobilisation in Physiotherapy: Restoring Freedom of Movement

Introduction

Stiff joints, restricted movement, or lingering pain after an injury can affect your daily life and independence. That’s where mobilisation in physiotherapy comes into play. Joint mobilisation is a hands-on, targeted technique used by physiotherapists to restore normal movement, reduce pain, and improve joint function—safely and effectively.

What is Joint Mobilisation?

Mobilisation is a manual therapy technique involving skilled, passive movements of a joint. These movements are performed at various speeds and depths (known as grades) to gently stretch the joint capsule, stimulate surrounding tissues, and improve joint play.

Unlike manipulation (which involves quick, forceful movements), mobilisation is controlled, gradual, and pain-free.

Goals of Mobilisation

• Increase joint range of motion

• Reduce joint stiffness

• Decrease pain

• Restore normal joint mechanics

• Improve functional movement

• Facilitate tissue healing

Common Areas Treated with Mobilisation

• Neck and cervical spine (e.g., whiplash, spondylosis)

• Shoulder joint (e.g., frozen shoulder)

• Knee joint (e.g., post-surgery or osteoarthritis)

• Ankle and foot (e.g., post-sprain stiffness)

• Lumbar spine (e.g., disc-related pain)

• Wrist and elbow (e.g., post-fracture stiffness)

Benefits of Mobilisation in Physiotherapy

• Drug-free, hands-on relief

• Encourages natural joint lubrication

• Reduces pain and stiffness

• Prepares joints for strengthening or exercise

• Helps correct biomechanical misalignments

• Suitable for both acute and chronic conditions

When to Avoid Mobilisation

Mobilisation is not recommended in the following conditions:

• Acute fractures

• Infectious or inflammatory arthritis (e.g., septic arthritis)

• Severe osteoporosis

• Malignancy in or near the joint

• Advanced joint degeneration with instability

• Joint hypermobility syndromes (unless used cautiously)

Always undergo mobilisation under the guidance of a licensed and experienced physiotherapist.

Joint mobilisation is a safe, effective, and gentle approach to relieve pain and restore movement. Whether you're recovering from injury, managing arthritis, or simply trying to move better, this manual therapy technique is a cornerstone of modern physiotherapy practice.