Mobilization is a skilled manual therapy technique in sportsphysiotherapy, Mobilization promotes movement in immobile tissue and joints andimproving joint ROM, and reducing pain.
There are many types of mobilization techniques one of themis the Maitland mobilization technique. In this, there are 4 differentmobilization grades based on the state of tension and the movement. They are:
GRADE 1- short amplitude within the initial ROM and back tocomplete relaxation.
GRADE 2- Large amplitude and back into complete relaxation(maximum end range will not achieve).
GRADE 3- Large amplitude from midrange until the maximum endrange.
GRADE 4- short amplitude in the end range.
GRADE 5- Thrust manipulation, which is a high-velocitythrust with a low amplitude at the end range of movement.
In GRADE 1 & 2 there is no stretching of the tissue, butit relieves the pain through proprioceptive input of the joint capsule.
The goal of GRADE 3 & 4 is to mobilize the joint capsulethrough the end-range stretch of the connective tissue.
Another mobilization technique is the Mulligan mobilizationtechnique which is the mobilization with movement technique. In this technique,there is an introduction of movement along with mobilization.
Effects of jointmobilization include:
It decreases pain by stimulating mechanoreceptors.
Affect muscle spasm & muscle guarding.
Stimulate nociceptors.
Mobilization can stimulates afferent nerve impulses to Increasein awareness of motion and position.
Mobilization can cause synovial fluid movement.
Mobilization can improve nutrient exchange.
Improve mobility of hypo-mobile joints.
Mobilization is used to:
Reduce pain.
Improve joint ROM.
Restoring normal articular relationships.
Enhancing motor function and reducing muscle guarding.
Mobilization maintains extensibility & tensile strengthof articular surfaces.
Mobilization isindicated for:
Joint hypomobility
.Contracture and adhesion in the joint capsule or supportingligaments.
Misalignment or subluxation of the bony surface.