Joint Mobilization
Gentle, Targeted Relief for Stiff or Painful Joints
Your body has hundreds of joints, from the hinge joint in your elbow to the ball-and-socket joint in your hip. Each joint relies on a careful balance of stability and mobility to help you move comfortably. But when injury, overuse, or age-related changes disrupt that balance, stiffness and pain can follow.
At StepUp Physical Therapy in Murray and West Valley City, UT, our skilled physical therapists use joint mobilization therapy to restore normal movement, reduce pain, and improve overall function. This safe, hands-on treatment can be an important part of your personalized physical therapy plan.
What is Joint Mobilization?
Joint mobilization is a manual therapy technique that uses slow, controlled movements to improve the way a joint moves. During treatment, your therapist applies a specific amount of force and direction, sometimes using their hands, other times with supportive tools, to gently mobilize the affected joint.
The type, speed, and frequency of mobilization depend on:
- Your diagnosis and treatment goals
- The type of joint being treated
- Your individual anatomy and comfort level
Benefits of joint mobilization include:
- Reduced pain and stiffness
- Increased range of motion
- Improved joint mechanics (arthrokinematics)
- Better function in daily activities
Conditions That Can Benefit
Joint mobilization may be helpful if you’re dealing with pain, swelling, or limited movement caused by:
- Arthritis (shoulder, spine, elbow, hip, knee)
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
- Tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow
- Ankle sprains
- Sciatica or nerve impingement
- Spinal facet joint restrictions
- Whiplash
Because joint issues can also lead to muscle weakness, ligament strain, and even nerve compression, it’s important to have your pain evaluated by a licensed physical therapist.
What to Expect During Treatment
Your first visit will include a thorough evaluation of:
- Range of motion
- Strength and coordination
- Posture and alignment
- Pain levels and movement patterns
If joint mobilization is right for you, your therapist will explain the process, position you for comfort, and guide you through each movement. You may also receive complementary treatments such as:
- Therapeutic exercises to strengthen and stabilize
- Postural retraining to improve long-term mechanics
- Modalities to reduce inflammation and speed healing
We recommend wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothing so your therapist can easily assess and treat the targeted area.
Is Joint Mobilization Safe?
Yes. When performed by a licensed, trained physical therapist, joint mobilization is safe, non-invasive, and drug-free. Most patients experience relief after just a few sessions, with continued improvement as mobility and strength return.
Find Out If Joint Mobilization Is Right for You
If you’re experiencing joint stiffness or pain, don’t wait for it to get worse. StepUp Physical Therapy in Murray and West Valley City, UT, can help you move better and feel better with customized treatment that may include joint mobilization.
Request an appointment today and take the first step toward pain-free movement.
