Joint Mobilization in Ann Arbor

Find Relief Through Gentle Joint Mobilization at On Track Physiotherapy in Ann Arbor

If your joints ache and feel stiff, limiting your flexibility and ability to exercise or perform daily tasks, joint mobilization therapy may help provide relief. At On Track Physiotherapy, our experienced physical therapists specialize in hands-on joint mobilization techniques designed to improve mobility, reduce pain, enhance function, and aid rehabilitation.

Unlike manipulations involving quick, forceful thrusts, mobilizations use gentle, sustained movements to stretch connective tissues and guide joints through their available range of motion. Think of it as carefully coaxing your joints to move more freely.

Is Joint Mobilization Right for You?

Joint mobilizations can benefit men and women of all ages hoping to regain flexibility and return to an active lifestyle after an injury or due to conditions like:

• Osteoarthritis
• Tendonitis
• Bursitis
• Post-surgery stiffness
• Joint instability
• Overuse injuries

Our customized programs help athletes, weekend warriors, and active individuals reduce joint pain and stiffness to restore strength, mobility, and quality of life.

A Gentle Approach to Improving Flexibility and Function

Joint mobilization techniques are hands-on, non-invasive therapies that gently glide joints through available ranges of motion. Certified therapists apply mild tension to stretch connective tissues and guide joints through pain-free movements. Rather than quick manipulations, sustained mobilizations help retrain muscle patterns while improving circulation and drainage of swelling/inflammation. Movements are slow, rhythmic, and progressive, tailored to your unique flexibility and comfort level.

Over the course of your sessions, our goal is to increase your active range of motion and reintegrate proper movement patterns into activity – helping you function better at work, home, and play.

Benefits of Joint Mobilization Physical Therapy

The benefits of regular joint mobilization include:

1. Reduced Pain and Improved Flexibility
Gentle tension stretches tight, painful muscles and connective tissues surrounding joints. This helps increase flexibility and elasticity in these structures, alleviating common causes of localized pain. Enhanced mobility also reduces painful joint compression and irritation. Many patients experience significant pain relief and increased range of motion after just the first session. These improvements help make activity and exercise more comfortable.

2. Enhanced Range of Motion and Function
Increased joint flexibility translates directly into improved function in daily routines and sports. Tasks like squatting, bending to tie shoes, looking over your shoulder, or raising arms overhead become less restricted and easier. Mobilization helps repattern coordinated movements needed for athletic activities like a fluid golf swing, throwing motion, or powerful tennis serve. Movement becomes freer and stronger over the course of care.

3. Faster Recovery and Rehabilitation
Following injury, surgery, or during rehabilitation, joint mobilization helps speed the healing process by enhancing circulation, drainage, and flexibility. Gentle movements encourage the natural gliding between joint surfaces needed for recovery Mobilization reduces harmful inflammation, keeps scar tissue flexible, and ensures joints move fully after immobility – all vital for rehabilitation success. Oftentimes, it can help avoid or delay more invasive surgical intervention when conservative care is pursued early on.

4. Prevention of Further Joint Degeneration
Keeping joints mobile and flexible is key in preventing or limiting arthritis, wear-and-tear, and joint degeneration over time. Mobilization lubricates joint spaces, transports vital nutrients, and strengthens stabilizing tissues. Regular tune-up sessions can help minimize inflammation and maintain healthy connective tissue flexibility and elasticity – reducing future aches, pains, and deterioration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is joint mobilization painful?
Mobilization should never be intensely painful. Our therapists constantly monitor your response during sessions to identify pain-free ranges of motion. Discomfort is common when stretching tight tissues but should resolve quickly. Let your therapist know immediately if any movement causes lasting pain.

What are the risks of joint mobilization?
When performed by a licensed professional, joint mobilization is very safe with minimal risks. Therapists avoid movements that compromise joint stability. In rare cases, mild soreness may occur afterwards. There is also a slight risk with any manual therapy of bruising or minor muscle strain.

What are the different types of mobilization techniques?
Different gliding or tension movements target specific joint restrictions. Common techniques include:

• Longitudinal glides along the joint line
• Lateral/medial glides from side-to-side
• Rotational and twisting motions
• Traction-compression adding length and stability
• Rhythmic oscillations to restore slide and roll

How does joint mobilization decrease my pain?
Mobilizations gently stretch irritated nerve endings and muscle spindles causing localized pain while also improving circulation. Relieving joint compression and realigning tissues reduces painful inflammation and irritation as joints regain proper movement.

Dr. Morgan Kennedy and Our Qualified Therapy Team

Our joint mobilization programs are overseen by Dr. Morgan Kennedy, PT, DPT with years of experience practicing manual therapies. We customize your plan of care based on comprehensive movement assessments and continually tailor treatments based on your evolving needs and goals. Our small therapist-to-patient ratios allow for highly personalized sessions focused on your long-term gains.

Start recovering your comfort and freedom of movement through joint mobilization at On Track Physiotherapy.

We help active adults find relief from restricted, painful joints holding them back from fuller, richer lives. Our proven mobilization techniques can help you regain flexibility and function – whether recovering from injury or striving to remain active.

Contact us online or call to learn how we can help guide your joints to feel smooth, supple, and pain-free once again. Our scheduling coordinators assist with all insurance paperwork and appointments to make your road to recovery as smooth as possible.

About the Author

Imagine overcoming limitations and regaining your physical strength. Dr. Greg Schaible, a licensed Physical Therapist in Certified Strength & Conditioning and Sports Rehab, has helped countless individuals like you do just that. Practicing at On Track Physiotherapy in Ann Arbor, Dr. Greg Schaible believes in tailored care and utilizes innovative techniques to create unique solutions for each patient’s journey.