Joint Mobilization
Joint mobilization helps restore alignment and mobility in stiff or painful joints, supporting smoother movement and long-term joint health.
What Is it?
Joint mobilization is a manual therapy technique used to improve motion in stiff or restricted joints. It involves slow, controlled movements applied by your therapist to encourage joint lubrication, reduce pain, and restore alignment. This is often used in combination with other therapies to enhance your results and prevent long-term limitations.
Our Approach
We use joint mobilization techniques when joints are stiff, misaligned, or causing pain due to restriction. These hands-on techniques are applied gently and intentionally to restore movement, reduce pressure, and improve function. Mobilization is always part of a bigger plan — paired with strengthening, stretching, or postural work to help the change last.
Conditions We Treat
Joint mobilization is used to restore natural joint mechanics and relieve pain caused by stiffness or misalignment.
Conditions Commonly Treated:
• Frozen shoulder
• Lumbar or cervical hypomobility
• SI joint restriction
• Hip and ankle joint stiffness
• Arthritis-related joint pain
• Neck and back pain
• Shoulder impingement
What Can I Expect
Your therapist will assess joint motion and determine whether stiffness or alignment issues are limiting movement. If so, we’ll use gentle, oscillating pressure to restore mobility. You’ll never be rushed or forced — and mobilizations are paired with exercises that support your gains between sessions.
What Are the Benefits
• Increased range of motion in stiff joints
• Better joint alignment and tracking
• Reduced pressure and discomfort with movement
• Improved posture and mechanical function
• Accelerated rehab from joint injuries or surgery
Additional FAQs
Is joint mobilization the same as joint cracking?
No. Mobilization is a gentle, small, arthrokinematic movement that returns your joint to it's normal movement pattern. This is not a high-velocity manipulation. It’s controlled, pain-free, and gentle.
How do I know if I need joint mobilization?
Your therapist will assess your joint mobility during your exam and will use mobilization if it’s helpful and appropriate for your condition to regain normal movement patterns.
