Chapter 30:

Joint Mobilization
Lee Rosenzweig, PT, DPT, CHT

Chapter 29: Joint Mobilization

Lee Rosenzweig, PT, DPT, CHT

I. Introduction
A. Definition - selective stretching of specific tissues around a joint without damaging
adjacent tissue; stretching capsular structure in physiological planes.
B. Purpose
a. Remodel connective tissue to improve joint extensibility /reduce stiffness
b. Reduce pain and encourage relaxation
c. Bathe the joint with synovial fluid, externally nourishing joint structures
C. Review of Synovial Joints
a. Plane - 1º freedom (capitate on hamate)
b. Ellipsoid - 3º freedom (MCP)
c. Hinge - 2º freedom (elbow)
d. Sellar - 3º freedom (CMC)
e. Pivot - 1° freedom (proximal Radio-Ulnar joint)
f. Ball/Socket - 3º freedom (Glenohumeral Joint)
g. Bicondylar - 1-2º freedom (IPJs)
D. Planes of movement - coronal/sagittal/transverse
E. It is important to be aware of the following:
a. Articular Surfaces
i. Ovoid: convex or concave. Surface is of constantly changing angular
value
ii. Sellar: (saddle) - inversely curved with convex/concave surfaces at right
angles to each other

II. Indications
A. Hypomobility - when joints are tight or stiff
B. When there is potential for joint limitation
C. Whenever passive ROM is indicated EXCEPT for replacement arthroplasty
D. To decrease pain: example of pain is when the surfaces pinch, or you have an uneven
pulling of the soft tissue

III. Contraindications
A. Joint replacement arthroplasties
B. Any fracture adjacent to the joints which is not clinically healed
C. Acute inflammatory or septic arthritis
D. Bone disease i.e. osteomyelitis
E. Bacterial infection
F Malignancy/Neoplastic disease
G. Physiologically unstable joint

IV. Precautions
A. Rheumatoid or osteoarthritis
B. Osteoporosis
C. Fracture – usually acceptable once PROM indicated

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D. Hypermobility
E. Inability for patient to relax
F. Presence of protective muscle spasm
G. Joint effusion/inflammation
H. General debilitation (i.e. influenza, pregnancy, chronic disease)

V. Biomechanics of Joint Mobilization

A. Osteokinematics - Adjacent bones (flex/ext - movement you see)
B. Arthrokinematics (internal movement): Articular movements produced by 2 adjacent
joint surfaces (accessory motions i.e. roll, spin, glide - you can not see this movement)
a. Spinning, rolling, gliding: without these accessory movements, impingement,
compression, inflammation, and pain may occur in the joint with forced motion
b. Mobilization restores these accessory motions by gliding one joint surface on
another thus stretching the periarticular structures in the desired direction
c. Concavity/convexity of joint surfaces (direction of the glide is dependent on
whether concave or convex)
i. Concave on convex - osteokinematics same as arthrokinematics - when a
concave surface is being mobilized on a convex surface, the concave joint
surface is glided in the same direction that the bone is moving
ii. Convex on concave - osteokinematics are opposite of arthrokinematics -
when a convex surface is being mobilized on a concave surface, the
convex surface is glided in the opposite direction that the bone is moving

VI. Mobilization Techniques

A. Position of joints
a. Loose packed position (resting position, most relaxed, greater ROM, and most
fluid movement, most play in the joint)
b. Position in which joint capsule and ligaments are loose
c. Position in which it is easier to test and treat
d. Examples: MCP joint - slight flexion
B. Closed packed position (most contact between concave and convex joint)
a. Position in which articular surfaces are most congruent, joint
b. Capsule and ligaments are tight
c. Position NOT used to test or treat
d. Example: MCP joint - 90 degrees flexion; GH joint maximal abduction and
external rotation
C. Actual Resting Position (alternate rest position, unable to assume position, may be due
to pain/injury)
D. Oscillations - used to stimulate mechanoreceptors and inhibit nocioceptors (small arch
of movement, minimal physiological movement, < 5 degrees)
a. Pain relief
b. Grades I and II
E. Roll/tilt (physiological movement)
a. New equidistant points on one surface come in contact with new equidistant
points on another surface

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b. Compression on one side, separation on the other; therefore, best done with a
simultaneous glide (joint damage will occur if only rolling occurs – compressive
forces could pinch intra- articular structures)
F. Glide
a. Same point on one surface comes in contact with new point on another surface
parallel to treatment plane (happens on curved surfaces, same direction as the
bone movement, glide direction is reflective of concave/convex)
G. Spin/rotation
a. One point on one surface comes in contact with many points on another
b. Usually in combination with rolling or gliding
H. Distraction
a. Displacement of bones - separation
b. All points move in straight line an equal distance and in same direction
I. Grades of mobilization (Maitland’s)
a. Grade I: Uses a small amplitude and high velocity at the beginning of the joint
range
b. Grade II: Also uses high velocity, but slightly larger amplitude, done to mid-point
of joint's total range of motion, not yet pushing into resistance
c. Grade III: Involves mobilizing a joint from mid-range into resistance. A lower
velocity is used and a stretch is felt on the joint.
d. Grade IV: Has smaller amplitude than grade III, and is carried out at the end point
of the joint range of motion, past the point of resistance

Grade I ______

Grade II _________________

Grade III _________________

Grade IV _______

J. Patterns of restriction
a. Capsular pattern of restriction: characteristic pattern of decreased movement at a
joint
i. Example: GH joint - limitations in ER, Abd, IR – the entire capsule
shortens leading to a frozen shoulder.
b. Non-capsular pattern of restriction: typically occurs with intra-articular
mechanical blockage or extra-articular lesions
i. Example: ligament adhesion, bursitis

VII. Mobilization Principles

A. Evaluate by selective tension to determine which structures and forces are limited
B. Need to determine base line mobility (what is normal for the patient) by assessing joint
play on the unaffected side
C. Determine end feel (the point where the joint motion reaches its first stop) to determine
the quality of movement (see chart below)

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a. Pathological end feel - abnormal end feel to movement i.e. muscle contraction
from guarding or bony end feel but at physiological mid range from a loose body
b. Normal end feel - physiological stop i.e. elbow flexion has soft end feel due to
tissue approximation; or elbow extension has a firm end feel due to bone on bone
{olecranon–distal humerus}
D. Pain is not part of the process
E. Body Mechanics
a. Patient and therapist must be relaxed
b. Therapist’s hand/finger force should be distributed over as large an area as
possible to minimize the pressure
c. Distal parts should never dangle
F. Force
a. Motions are controlled
b. Should be applied either parallel or perpendicular to the joint
G. Only one joint is mobilized at a time
H. Distraction may or may not be used before mobilization
I. Positioning
a. One bone of the joint is stabilized near the joint line, and the other bone is
mobilized – proximal fixation is key
b. Physiological motions may be used in positioning the joint before doing the
mobilization
J. Frequency
a. Short, frequent sessions (pain lasts less than 1 hour post mobilization)
b. Pre and post measurements
K. Heat with stretch for increased motion and decreases muscle guarding

Significance
End Feel Description in Evaluation__________

Bone - bone 2 hard surface meet – abrupt Anatomical Limit of joint

(elbow extension)

Spasm Hardish feel Acute/subacute arthritis

Muscles reflexively stop movement Fracture

Capsular Hardish feel Arthritis

Some give (frozen shoulder)

Spring back Rebound at end of movement Internal derangement of joint

Tissue approximation Soft arrest movement No mechanical

block(elbow flexion
bicep)

Empty Pain some distance from Suspect acute bursitis,

anatomical limit abscess, neoplasm

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VIII. Scapulothoraic Joint (Fig. 1, Fig. 2)

A. Purpose - to increase scapular mobility on chest wall - increase
subscapularis and serratus anterior gliding on each other
B. Techniques - elevation, depression, retraction, protraction and distraction
C. Positioning

IX. Glenohumeral Joint

A. Distraction - to give general stretch of capsule and ligaments (Fig. 3)
B. Inferior glide - to increase elevation and relaxation
C. Posterior glide - to increase internal rotation (Fig. 4)
D. Anterior glide - to increase external rotation
E. Lateral glides - to increase horizontal adduction and general capsular stretch

X. Elbow
A. Radiohumeral Joint
a. Radio-humeral anterior glides to increase flexion (Fig. 5)
b. Radio-humeral posterior glides to increase extension (Fig. 5)
c. Distraction to increase extension and supination/pronation (Fig. 6)
d. Elbow tilt - to decrease valgus deformity and increase extension
B. Humeroulnar joint
a. Distraction - to increase flexion

XI. Forearm
A. Proximal radioulnar joint - to increase supination and pronation (Fig. 7)
a. Glide of the radius on the ulna
1. Proximal radius glide
B. Distal radioulnar joint: to increase supination and pronation
a. Distal radius roll
b. Distal ulnar glide - done at end ranges of supination and pronation
c. Interosseous membrane stretch

XII. Wrist Joint - arthrokinematics and osteokinematics are opposite

A. Radiocarpal joint - hold distal radius and ulna and move carpus
a. Distraction - general stretch of carpal ligaments (Fig. 8)
b. Dorsal glide - to increase flexion > extension (Fig. 9)
1. Volar glide - to increase extension > flexion (Fig. 9)
c. Medial/lateral glide - to increase radial and ulnar deviation
B. Midcarpal joint - same mobilizations except hold carpus and move distal row by holding
on to base of metacarpals

XIII. Digits - arthrokinematics and osteokinematics

A. Metacarpal phalangeal joint
a. Distraction - general capsular stretch (Fig. 10)

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Lee Rosenzweig, PT, DPT, CHT

b. Dorsal glide - to increase extension (Fig. 11)

c. Volar glide - to increase flexion (Fig. 11)
1. Medial tilt - to stretch radial collateral ligament (Fig. 12)
d. Lateral tilt - to stretch ulnar collateral ligament
e. Medial rotation - to increase supination of digit
f. Lateral rotation - to increase pronation of digit
g. Intermetacarpal glide - to increase cupping of hand
h. Transverse intermetacarpal ligament stretch - to increase abduction and
metacarpal mobility
B. Proximal interphalangeal joint and distal interphalangeal joint
a. Dorsal glide - to increase extension (Fig. 13)
b. Volar glide - to increase flexion (Fig. 13)
c. Medial and lateral tilt - mostly used diagnostically

XIV. First CMC joint

a. Dorsal glide - to increase extension
b. Volar glide - to increase flexion
c. Distraction - general capsular stretch
d. Medial tilt - to increase abduction
e. Lateral tilt - to increase adduction
f. Rotation - to increase opposition

XV. Evidence regarding the use of joint mobilization to increase range of motion
A. Systematic Review.found six papers addressing joint mobilization and range of motion
and concluded that there is a moderate level of evidence to support the use of joint
mobilization in patients whose loss of motion can be attributed to joint stiffness.1
B. Four were prospective randomized cohort studies.
C. Two support the use of joint mobilization techniques to increase range of motion
compared with exercise alone in patients with adhesive capsulitis2 and after metacarpal
fracture.3
a. Shoulder adhesive capsulitis after trauma or spontaneous onset. Intervention was
mobilization and active exercise program or exercise program. Both groups had
increased range of motion. Level of evidence is 2b with a consensus score of 39.
b. Metacarpal fracture with at least 2 weeks of immobilization. Intervention was
exercise or exercise with mobilization. Both groups had increased range of motion
and decreased stiffness. Level of evidence is 2b with a consensus score of 38.
D. Two papers do not support the use of joint mobilization after distal radius fractures4
and for primary impingement syndrome5
a. Uncomplicated distal radius fractures after removal of pins or pins and plaster.
Intervention was advice and home exercise program with one therapy visit or passive
joint or mobilization and exercise for six weeks. All outcomes in both groups
improved. Flexion was greater in the mobilization group but was not clinically
important change. Level of evidence is 2b with a consensus score of 43.
b. Primary shoulder impingement. Intervention was multiple physical therapy
interventions or mobilization with multiple physical therapy interventions.
Mobilization group improved on all variables. Multiple physical therapy group

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Lee Rosenzweig, PT, DPT, CHT

improved on mobility and function. There was no difference between groups in

mobility and functional gains. Level of evidence is 2b and consensus score is 42.
E. Two well designed case series using patients after distal radius fracture6 and with
shoulder adhesive capsulitis7 support the use of joint mobilization techniques in the
short term to increase joint range of motion.
a. Stable extraarticular and intraarticular distal radius fractures, prospective cast six
weeks. Intervention was oscillation radiocarpal wrist mobilizations or sustained
gliding wrist stretch. Result was most gains in motion made during the application
of the first technique. Both techniques resulted in improved range of motions,
oscillations were more effective when patient had painful wrist and during first
three sessions. Sustained wrist stretch was more effective during last three sessions.
Level of evidence is 2B and consensus score is 28.
b. Adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder. Painful or stiff shoulder for an average of 8
months. Intervention was end-range glenohumeral mobilization
techniques (distraction in angles of abduction and flexion and glides) twice a week
for three months. Result was increase in glenohumeral abduction, flexion, and
internal rotation. Level of evidence is 4 and consensus score is 22.
F. Although there is moderate evidence to support the use of joint mobilization
techniques in the upper extremity generally, it does not appear that the clinical merit of
using joint mobilizations techniques to improve range of motion specifically in joint
contractures of the hand has been clearly demonstrated.8

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Chapter 30: Joint Mobilization
Lee Rosenzweig, PT, DPT, CHT

Chapter 30 Figures

Fig. 1 Describes scapular mobilization Fig. 2. Describes scapular mobilization

(elevation and depression) in order to (elevation and depression) in order to
increase scapular mobility. increase scapular mobility

Fig. 3. Describes glenohumeral distrac- Fig. 4. Describes glenohumeral posterior

tion in which the humerus is distracted glide in which the humerus is mobilized
from glenoid in order to increase range posteriorly on the glenoid in order to
of motion in all planes increase shoulder flexion and internal
rotation

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Lee Rosenzweig, PT, DPT, CHT

Chapter 30 Figures

Fig. 5. Describes radio-humeral glides in Fig. 6. Describes elbow

which the humerus is stabilized and the distraction in which the radius
radius is glided anteriorly to increase and ulna are distracted from
elbow flexion or posteriorly in order to the humeris in order to increase
increase elbow extension range of motion in both flexion
and extension.

Fig. 7. Describes proximal radioulnar Fig. 8. Describes long-axis wrist

glides and mobilization of intereosseous distraction in order to increase wrist
membrane in order to increase forearm flexion.
rotation.

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Chapter 30: Joint Mobilization
Lee Rosenzweig, PT, DPT, CHT

Chapter 30 Figures

Fig. 9. Describes volar and Fig. 10. Describes Fig. 11. Describes
dorsal glides of the carpus. phalangeal-metacarpal metacarpal anterior-
Anterior glides used to long axis distraction in posterior glides. Anterior
increase wrist extension. order to increase MP joint glides to increase flexion.
Posterior glides used to flexion and extension Posterior glides to increase
increase wrist flexion. extension

Fig. 12. Describes metacarpal Fig. 13. Describes anterior-

radial glide in order to increase posterior glides of the middle
MP joint extension phalanx at the proximal
interphalangeal joint. Volar glide
used to increase flexion. Dorsal
glide used to increase extension.

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References
1. Michlovitz SL, Harris BA, Watkins MP. Therapy interventions for improving joint range of motion: a
systematic review. J Hand Ther. 2004;17:118-131.
2. Nicholson G. The effects of passive joint motion on pain and hypomobility associated with adhesive
capsulitis of the shoulder. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 1985;6:238-246.
3. Randall T, Portney L, Harris B. Effects of joint mobilization on joint stiffness and active motion of the
metacarpal-phalangeal joint. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 1992;16:30-6.
4. Kay S, Haensel N, Stiller K. The effects of passive mobilization following fractures involving the distal
radius: a randomized study. Aust J Physiother. 2000;46:93-101.
5. Conroy DE, Hayes KW. The effect of joint mobilization as a component of comprehensive treatment
for primary shoulder impingement syndrome. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1998;28:3-14.
6. Coyle JA, Robertson VI. Comparison of two passive mobilization techniques following Colles’ fracture:
a multi-element design. Man Ther. 1998;3:34-41.
7. Vermeulen H, Obermann W, Burger B, Kok G, Rozing P. End-range mobilization techniques in adhe-
sive capsulitis of the shoulder joint: a multi-subject case report. Phys Ther. 2000;80:1204-13.
8. Glasgow C, Tooth LR, Fleming J. Mobilizing the stiff hand: Combining theory and evidence to im-
prove clinical outcomes. J Hand Ther 2010;23:392-401.

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Chapter 30: Joint Mobilization
Lee Rosenzweig, PT, DPT, CHT

Multiple Choice Questions

1. It is usually acceptable to do grade I and II joint mobilization after a nonsurgical frac-
ture if the patient has been cleared for:
A. PROM
B. AROM
C. AAROM
D. Scar massage

2. The abrupt meeting of two hard surfaces experienced during a selective tissue tension
assessment is best described as the following:
A. Capsular end feel
B. Empty end feel
C. Spasm
D. Bone on bone end feel

3. Evidence when using joint mobilization for primary shoulder impingement shows that
it:
A. Has varying results in clinically significant improvements in mobility and function when com-
pared to exercise alone
B. Results in clinically significant improvements in mobility and function when compared with
exercise alone
C. Requires at least a grade IV in order to significantly improve pain and strength
D. Improves scapulohumeral rhythm more than strengthening exercises

4. Assessment of joint mobility is performed in the following position:

A. In the open packed position
B. When joints are warm
C. Following active exercise
D. In the closed packed position

5. The following motion describes the combination of compression on one side of a joint
and separation on the opposite side:
A. Glide
B. Tilt
C. Grade II oscillation
D. Grade I oscillation

6. When the same point on one surface comes in contact with a new point on another
surface parallel to the treatment plane, it is referred to as:
A. Distraction
B. Oscillation
C. Glide
D. Spin/rotation

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Multiple Choice Questions

7. Case Series looking at mobilizations for distal radius fractures after six weeks of casting
found the following results:6
A. Sustained wrist stretch was the most effective in improving range of motion during the first
three sessions
B. Strength and function improved more in patients who received radiocarpal oscillations and
sustained wrist stretch
C. Distraction resulted in shorter recovery times
D. Radiocarpal oscillations was the most effective type of mobilization during the first three ses-
sions for improving range of motion

8. A patient presenting with adhesive capsulitis for 8 months is referred to your clinic for
therapy. You would like to work on improving shoulder flexion and abduction for this
patient. According to a well designed published case series what type of mobilization
would be most effective? 7
A. End range gleonohumeral mobilization with distraction in angles of abduction and flexion
B. Mid-range glenohumeral mobilizations with grade II oscillations
C. Glenohumeral rhythmic stabilization exercises and D2 PNF patterns
D. End range grade IV anterior glenohumeral mobilizations

9. When mobilizing the forearm to improve supination, which of the following mobiliza-
tions would be the best choice
A. Volar glide of the distal radius on the ulna
B. Dorsal glide of the distal radius on the ulna
C. Distraction of the radiocarpal joint
D. Posterior glide of the radial head on the capitellum

10. Evidence for joint mobilization in the long term following distal radius fractures:
A. In conjunction with an exercise program did show clinically significant improvement in range
of motion measures when compared with exercise alone
B. In conjuction with exercise caused an increase in pain when compared with exercise alone
C. Resulted in significantly improved strength
D. In conjunction with an exercise program did not show clinically significant improvement in
range of motion measures when compared with exercise alone

11. Assessment of a patient’s normal joint mobility is best determined by the following:
A. Manual muscle testing
B. Using the DASH score
C. Assessing the opposite unaffected side
D. Goniometric measurements

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Multiple Choice Questions

12. When one point on one joint surface comes into contact with many points on another
joint surface, it is referred to as:
A. Spin/rotation
B. Oscillation
C. Glide
D. Distraction

13. According to the rule of convex on concave joint movement, the following mobiliza-
tion serves to increase extension of the 1st CMC joint:
A. Medial tilt
B. Rotation
C. Dorsal glide
D. Lateral tilt

14. A patient presents with a non-surgical proximal phalanx fracture that does not show
evidence of being clinically healed. Which of the following statements is correct?
A. Grade II oscillations may be performed
B. Joint mobilizations should not be performed with this patient
C. Roll/tilt can be performed
D. Initiating strengthening would be the most effective intervention

Multiple Choice Question Answer Key

Chapter 30

1-A, 2-D, 3-A, 4-D, 5-B, 6-C, 7-D,

8-A, 9-B, 10-D, 11-C, 12-A, 13-C, 14-B

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