Mobilization uses gentle passive movements, usually applied as a series of light stretches in a smooth, rhythmic fashion to the individual joints.
It involves moving the joints so that a small movement of the actual bone surfaces takes place. In this way, joint mobilization improves mobility in areas that currently have less than normal movement.
Tight muscles, stiff ligaments, or problems in the joints themselves may cause the decreased movement. If pain is associated with this decreased movement, loosening up the structure that causes the restriction can often relieve the pain.
