We enjoyed hosting a Joint Mobilizations Education Session for the George Mason University Athletic Training Education Program Students at our clinic!
Types of Mobilizations in Physical Therapy
Physical Therapists (PTs) can provide these types of mobilizations:
Oscillatory
Here, the PT applies gentle pressure to the joint that is slow in speed (low-velocity) and varies in the size of movement (the amplitude). Therapists apply this type of mobilization at various points throughout a joint’s available range of motion.
Sustained
The therapist applies a pulling or traction-type movement and holds it steady for a period of time when doing this mobilization. Practitioners use this type of mobilization to reduce joint compression and stretch the surrounding soft tissue.
Manipulation
Here, the therapist uses a high-speed thrusting movement with a low amplitude in a direction of tightness or impaired joint mobility.
What are the Mobilization Grades?
Clinicians can differentiate among the many techniques using these grades:
- Grade 1: Slow, small-amplitude back-and-forth movements that are applied at the beginning of a joint’s arc of motion (normal rotational pattern)
- Grade 2: Slow, large-amplitude back-and-forth movements that are applied within the middle section of a joint’s arc of motion.
- Grade 3: Slow, large-amplitude back-and-forth movements that are applied from the middle to the end of a joint’s arc of motion.
- Grade 4: Slow, small-amplitude back-and-forth movements that are applied to the end of a joint’s arc of motion
- Grade 5: A single, small-amplitude thrusting motion (also known as a manipulation) applied at a high velocity at the end of a joint’s available motion
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At our clinic, we are proud members of the American Physical Therapy Association.
