Joint Mobilization

Joint mobilization is a manual therapy technique involving a straight lined, passive movement of a skeletal joint, meaning the joint is moved by the practitioner rather than the patient. It is distinguished from other joint techniques by addressing arthrokinematic joint motion, the small gliding and rolling movements within a joint, rather than osteokinematic motion, the larger movement of a limb as a whole. It is usually directed at a specific target synovial joint with the aim of achieving a therapeutic effect, and it is practiced by a range of health care professionals who have received specific training in manual therapy assessment and treatment techniques.