Manual therapy and joint mobilizations

Manual therapy and joint mobilizations are specialized physiotherapy methods in which the therapist works with the patient’s tissues and joints using their hands. The goal is to reduce pain, improve mobility, restore proper function of the musculoskeletal system, and enhance everyday activity.

Manual therapy

This is a broad set of techniques performed with the physiotherapist’s hands, aimed at diagnosing and treating disorders of the muscles, joints, ligaments, and nervous system.

What does it involve?

The physiotherapist:

• assesses movement, alignment, and tissue tension

• applies techniques to relax muscles, fascia, and ligaments

• corrects abnormal movement patterns

• eliminates tension and contractures

• improves tissue flexibility and function

Benefits:

• reduced pain

• improved range of motion

• release of stiff or overloaded structures

• better posture and movement coordination

• accelerated recovery after injuries

Joint mobilizations

Mobilizations are gentle, controlled, rhythmic movements performed within a joint to relax the tissues and increase mobility.

Who is it for?

For individuals with:

• limited joint mobility

• stiffness (e.g., shoulder, knee, hip)

• spinal pain

• overload conditions

• post-injury or postoperative changes

How do they work?

Mobilizations:

• increase range of motion

• reduce periarticular tension

• improve nourishment of joint cartilage

• reduce pain by influencing nerve receptors

• prepare joints for exercise and activity

Manual therapy + mobilizations = effective pain treatment

These techniques are often used together.
They provide the best results in treating:

• spinal pain (cervical, thoracic, lumbar)

• overload syndromes

• joint stiffness

• sports injuries

• myofascial tension