Joint Mobilisation

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Joint mobilisation refers to a therapeutic passive motion of a painful or dysfunctional peripheral or axial joint. Mobilisation under the Maitland system is classified into five grades of passive therapeutic motion. Grade V is the same as manipulation.

Grade I – small amplitude movement at the beginning of the available range of movement

Grade II – large amplitude movement at within the available range of movement

Grade III – large amplitude movement that moves into stiffness or muscle spasm

Grade IV – small amplitude movement stretching into stiffness or muscle spasm

Grade V – This is the same as joint manipulation.

Lower grades (I + II) are used to reduce pain and irritability (use VAS + SIN scores).

Higher grades (III + IV) are used to stretch the joint capsule and passive tissues which support and stabilise the joint so increase range of movement.

The rate of mobilisation should be thought of as an oscillation in a rhythmical fashion at 2Hz (120 movements per minute) for 30 seconds to 1 minute.