Appendix 3: Manual Therapies

Joint mobilizations are manual therapy techniques applying controlled passive movements to synovial joints, aiming to reduce pain, enhance mobility, and restore the range of motion (ROM) (Saunders et al. 2005).These movements are categorized into oscillatory or sustained techniques and are commonly used in veterinary rehabilitation for joint stiffness or discomfort.This section is intended as a reference and does not replace the necessity for supervised, hands-on instruction. Joint Mobilization GradesJoint mobilizations can be applied to accessory ROM (e.g.glides).They are graded on a scale from I to V based on the respective amplitude and the portion of the ROM they affect.Figure A.3.1 provides a visual representation of the amplitude and the part of the range of motion where each grade is applied.Table A.3.1 includes detailed descriptions and purposes for each grade of joint mobilization.The joint mobilizations discussed in the following sections are meant as general suggestions and should always be preceded by a thorough joint play assessment (described in section 2.2) to determine the most appropriate mobilization technique for the specific joint dysfunction.