Mobilising - Physical Principles

Question 1

What factors limit joint range?

Answer 1

Degenerative changes,
Disease processes
Trauma
Immobility
Muscle weakness
Muscle spasm 
Muscle pain

Question 2

Physical principles (PP) of joint mobilisation

Answer 2

Continuous movement
Increase momentum - increase speed
Increase momentum - add mass
Large amplitude, through range
Gravity assisted 
Auto assisted
Reduce friction 
Mobilise to end of range
End of range holds

Question 3

PP - Continuous movement

Answer 3

Newtons 1st law

Reduces muscle work required to stop and start the movement

Question 4

PP - Increase momentum;
> Increase speed
> Add mass

Answer 4

Newton 2nd law

NB. don’t use if natural bony point eg knee and elbow extension - injury cause

Question 5

PP - Large amplitude, through range movement

Answer 5

Newtons 2nd law

Increases sweep and squeeze of synovial fluid

Question 6

PP - Gravity assisted

Answer 6

Newton 2nd law

Acceleration aided by gravitational force

Question 7

PP - Auto-assisted

Answer 7

Newtons 2nd law

Acceleration aided by own (healthy limb) force

Question 8

PP - reduce friction

Answer 8

Newtons 3rd law

Reduces muscle work required to start or sustain the movement

Question 9

PP - Mobilise to end of range

End of range holds

Answer 9

To effect neural (eg stretch tolerance) and viscoelastic changes in the connective tissue.