Treatment of the Week – Joint Mobilisations

Here at Compass Physio two of the main issues we see people with joints are Joint pain & joint stiffness.

These can occur in isolation or simultaneously.

For full, pain-free movement your joints need to move freely in all directions that they were designed to.

If they become restricted for any particular reason,

Your physiotherapist can help you regain full pain-free movement with a combination of treatments including Joint Mobilisations.

What are Joint Mobilisations

Joint Mobilisations can benefit a number of joints including the shoulder, knee, ankle and spine.

There are various methods that involve applying gentle pressure to the joint in a specific direction to promote movement in that direction

We often use the analogy of the rusty hinge on a gate that needs some WD 40

Get the hinge moving and everything else functions better

The joints in our bodies are often a source of pain. 

This can be due to problems within the joint, 

For example arthritis (wear and tear/degeneration) or

due to problems with the soft tissues that surround the joint.

These joint problems arise due to age related changes or from a trauma

They can resulti in inflammation in or around the joint.

The resulting joint stiffness and restriction prevents “normal” movement.

Over time, this may present as pain on certain movements and may lead to abnormal compensation movement patterns.

Joint mobilisations carried out by a trained physiotherapist will aim to alleviate the stiffness and pain within the joint.

Joint mobilisation is not a painful technique.

You may feel slight discomfort or a sensation of increased pressure around the area being worked on.

Typically, after treatment your physiotherapist will prescribe you with an exercise program to maintain or improve the increase in range that joint mobilisation will have achieved.

How Can Physiotherapy Help?

If you are finding it hard to complete regular exercises due to pain, fatigue or simply time schedules speak to us at Compass Physio.

Exercise is for everybody. At Compass physio we will complete a full physical assessment and will help identify any possible underlying causes that may limit your exercise regime.

Our chartered physiotherapists will help you to build strength and strategies which will help tackle any problem.

At Compass physio we will help you succeed and reach your goals.

To find out how Compass Physio can help, call 046 954 9456 (this number covers all clinics), click here to book online.

You can also email any questions to info@compassphysio.ie

Paddy Mulligan – MISCP Chartered Physiotherapist Compass Physio