Joint Mobilization

Joint Mobilization is the skilled passive movement of a skeletal joint with the intent to improve joint range of motion and or decrease pain. There are various grades of movement and speed that can be utilized by your Physical Therapist or Physical Therapy Assistant. Grades 1 – 4 are used to improve joint mobility and decrease pain.

Joint Manipulation is considered a Grade 5 joint mobilization and is only performed by a Physical Therapist who has been trained in Grade 5, also called High Velocity Low Amplitude Thrust (HVLAT). Often you will feel and hear an audible joint pop which is believed to be a result of cavitation. Cavitation is associated with intra-articular gas bubbles which increase the joint space. Manipulation is performed to increase range of motion and decrease pain.