Joint Mobilizations: Lower Body (Self-administered)

This course describes self-administered joint mobilization techniques for the lower extremity (also referred to as joint mobility techniques, joint mobilisations, joint mobs, joint mob, or mobz). The techniques included in this course are intended for the hip joint (acetabulofemoral joint), knee joint (tibiofemoral joint), and ankle joint (talocrural joint).

Joint mobilization techniques are recommended for joints assessed as abnormally stiff and should not be considered solely as treatment for addressing chronic pain. The intent is to increase joint mobility and regain optimal lower extremity motion. Unlike manual therapy, self-administered techniques have the advantage of inclusion in therapeutic exercise programs, corrective exercise programs, home exercise programs, and continued self-management routines. In addition to improving mobility and arthrokinematics motion, research has demonstrated that addressing joint stiffness may have an immediate effect on assessed muscle weakness, improving muscle activity, and muscle strength during functional activity.

The joint mobilization techniques in this course may be particularly beneficial for improving the quality of motion of those individuals exhibiting signs of lower extremity dysfunction, lumbopelvic hip complex dysfunction, knees bow in (knee valgus), knees bow out (knee varus), feet flatten (functional pes planus), as well as treatment for low back pain, hip pain, knee pain, and ankle pain. Sports medicine professionals (personal trainers, fitness instructors, physical therapists, massage therapists, chiropractors, occupational therapists, athletic trainers, etc.) should consider adding these exercises to their repertoire to improve the outcomes of their integrated exercise programs and therapeutic (rehabilitation) interventions.

For additional self-administered joint mobilization techniques check out:

• Joint Mobilizations: Upper Body (Self-administered)

For manual therapy versions of the techniques in this course check out:

• Joint Mobilization: Hip Joint
• Joint Mobilization: Knee Joint
• Joint Mobilization: Ankle
• Joint Mobilization: Tibiofibular Joint

Pre-approved credits for:

• Human Movement Specialist (HMS) Certification
• Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) Certification
• Integrated Manual Therapist (IMT) Certification

Pre-approved for Continuing Education Credits for:

• Athletic Trainers
• Chiropractors
• Group Exercise Instructors
• Massage Therapists
• Occupational Therapists - Intermediate
• Personal Trainers
• Physical Therapists
• Physical Therapy Assistants
• Yoga Instructors

This Course Includes:

• AI Tutor
• Study Guide
• Text and Illustrations
• Audio Voice-over
• Research Review
• Technique Videos
• Practice Exam
• Pre-approved Final Exam

1. Walsh, R., & Kinsella, S. (2016). The effects of caudal mobilisation with movement (MWM) and caudal self-mobilisation with movement (SMWM) in relation to restricted internal rotation in the hip: A randomised control pilot study. Manual therapy, 22, 9-15.
2. Takasaki, H., Hall, T., & Jull, G. (2013). Immediate and short-term effects of Mulligan's mobilization with movement on knee pain and disability associated with knee osteoarthritis–A prospective case series. Physiotherapy theory and practice, 29(2), 87-95.
3. Jadhav, V. S., & Anap, D. B. (2019). Effectiveness of Mulligan Mobilization Versus Mckenzie Exercises in Knee Osteoarthritis: A Single Blind Randomized Controlled Trial. Physiother Rehabil, 4(177), 2.
4. Cruz-Díaz, D., Hita-Contreras, F., Martínez-Amat, A., Aibar-Almazán, A., & Kim, K. M. (2020). Ankle-Joint Self-Mobilization and CrossFit Training in Patients With Chronic Ankle Instability: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Athletic Training.
5. Darnell, K., Harland, J., Casner, A., Kimball, T., & Tuong, D. (2017). A comparison between hip internal rotation mobilization to posterior glide and their effects on hip internal rotation.