Manual Joint Mobilization with movement.
The Mulligan Treatment Approach is a type of manual therapy developed by New Zealand physiotherapist Brian Mulligan. It combines gentle joint mobilization with active movement to restore pain-free motion. This technique is often used by physical therapists and chiropractors to treat joint stiffness, restricted movement, and musculoskeletal pain.
The Mulligan Treatment Approach works by the therapist applying sustained pressure or a gentle glide to a joint while the patient actively moves it, such as bending or turning. If this movement becomes easier and pain-free, the technique is repeated to help restore normal joint function. Known as Mobilization with Movement (MWM),
this method is commonly used to treat conditions like neck and back pain, shoulder and knee problems, tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, ankle sprains, and joint stiffness. The Mulligan approach is non-invasive, safe, and often provides immediate pain relief and improved mobility, making it especially effective for recovering joint function after injury or long-term restrictions.