Joint Mobilization can help you move freely again!

Joint mobilization is an incredibly effective treatment choice for acute or chronic joint pain, but many patients are unaware of its advantages. Our Abbotsford physiotherapy clinic is proud to offer joint mobilization techniques to our patients in need.

This form of treatment involves the passive movement of specific joints using the skilled application of force, direction, and technique. Our physiotherapist may use his or her hands to mobilize an injured joint with joint mobilization, or they may prefer to use some instruments, like braces, to help deliver the desired treatment effect.

If you think our joint mobilization techniques might help you, contact Blue Oak Physiotherapy today for more information!

Physiotherapist Manjit Thind assisting patient with leg exercise on therapy table in clinic with a painting and medical equipment visible at Blue Oak Physiotherapy in Abbotsford, BC.

What is Joint Mobilization?

You have hundreds of joints in your body, which come in a variety of types and sizes (such as a “hinge joint” in your elbow, a “ball and socket joint” in your hip, or a “saddle joint” in your thumb). Your joints depend on a combination of both stability and mobility in order to help you function efficiently and comfortably.

Joints are supported by a wide variety of physiological structures including ligaments, tendons, capsules, cartilage, and muscle fibers, all of which can become injured and potentially benefit from physiotherapy services, including joint mobilization.

The specific type, magnitude, speed, and frequency of joint mobilization performed depends on several factors, including the goal of treatment, the type of joint being targeted, and even your own unique anatomy.

The benefits of joint mobilizations include pain reduction, improved range of motion, and improved quality of joint movement itself (known as arthrokinematics).

What is a typical joint mobilization session like?

1. Initial examination

In order to establish an appropriate diagnosis, we will analyze and examine everything from your range of motion, intensity, balance, pain level, posture, and even possible tissue tension. We will also ask about your current and past medical background.
Our therapist must be able to see or feel the exact joint he or she is mobilizing, keeping in mind of course, that your privacy and comfort are of utmost concern to our staff.
Note: Be sure to wear comfortable and loose-fitting clothes to prepare for a physiotherapy session with joint mobilization Blue Oak Physiotherapy.
2. Personalized treatment plan

We will be able to construct a personalized care plan to suit your specific needs based on our examination results, as well as the details we collect about your medical background.
Because joint mobilization strategies have been shown to be successful for a number of conditions, we may very well decide to incorporate this form of manual therapy into your treatment plan.
3. Treatment overview & resources

In order to optimize the results and eliminate recurring discomfort or dysfunction, our physiotherapist will also be sure to give you specific instructions about how to sit or lie during the appointment, what you can expect to experience, and what to do after your session.
We will also provide you with additional resources to complement and enhance the effects of joint mobilization, which may include therapeutic exercises for stabilization and range of motion, modalities, and postural and neuromuscular retraining.

Can Joint Mobilization help with my condition?

Joint mobilization isn’t appropriate for all patients, and our skilled and experienced physiotherapists can determine if it’s right for you or a loved one.

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.

Nearby structures including muscles, tendons, and ligaments may become tense or injured as a compensatory effect of trying to support or stabilize the injured joint. This can lead to muscle weakness or even impingement and damage to nearby nerves. As a result, leaving your joint issues unattended can cause other injuries and ailments including muscle strains, ligament damage, and bursitis. This is why we strongly encourage you to consult with a Abbotsford physiotherapist with any type of acute or chronic dysfunction; your joints could be contributing to your pain without you even realizing it!