What Is Joint Mobilisation?
Joint mobilisation uses passive, hands-on movement applied to a restricted joint to restore its normal range of motion and mechanics. When a joint cannot move freely, the surrounding muscles compensate, overload and eventually fail.
Shaun uses graded techniques (Maitland-based grading) wherever restriction is identified in the assessment. This is not manipulation or cracking. It is controlled, progressive joint movement that restores normal arthrokinematics and relieves associated muscular tension.
Key Benefits
- Restores normal joint mechanics and arthrokinematic motion
- Relieves muscular overload caused by compensating for stiff joints
- Applied to spine, shoulder, hip, knee, ankle and wrist
- Graded techniques, gentle or deeper based on assessment findings
- Effective for post-injury stiffness and chronic joint restriction
- Reduces pain neurologically via joint mechanoreceptor stimulation
What to Expect in Your Session
- Assessment of joint range, quality of movement and end-feel to find where restriction sits.
- Gentle to firm passive movements applied at a grade matched to your pain and stiffness.
- Re-testing straight afterwards so change in movement can be seen.
- Often paired with soft tissue work and a short exercise to hold the new range.
- Mild stiffness or soreness afterwards is possible and usually brief.
Who It Suits
- Stiffness after injury, once cleared to move
- Chronic joint restriction in the neck, back, shoulder or hip
- Muscle tightness that keeps returning around a stiff joint
- Ankle, knee or wrist stiffness that limits training or daily activity
Good to Know
Shaun's approach is graded and controlled, and does not involve high-velocity manipulation. Findings outside the scope of myotherapy are referred on to the appropriate medical practitioner.
A joint that feels stiff or stuck?
Shaun will assess whether the joint or the muscle is the driver, and treat both where needed.