Maitland Joint Mobilization Concept
- What it is: Joint mobilization, specifically Maitland’s Joint Mobilization Concept, is a hands on intervention designed to address joint restrictions and pain. The concept involves specific examination of joints and their movement in the skeletal system. The mobilizations, or passive movements of the skeletal joints are set up in a graded system that are used to further increase movement and reduce pain at a limiting joint. A primary basis of the concept is that large limb and trunk functional movements require smaller accessory movements at the joint level to allow full mobility. Without these needed free ranges of motion the body does not perform at the same level as it used to.
- Who it will benefit: A skilled Physical Therapist can incorporate joint mobilizations into a clients plan of care with the hope of reducing joint pain and restrictions. Patients who suffer from traumatic injury or who have longstanding chronic conditions that limit their movements can benefit from this type of treatment. Athletes, weekend warriors, and the general population who notice they are experiencing joint pain or have a limitation of their mobility will notice over time a resolution of their symptoms. The addition of this intervention has become a key concept and strategy in manual therapy and pain releif.
