Abstract
Joint mobilisation is a treatment procedure that has been found to reduce pain and stiffness in many conditions of dysfunction associated with the synovial joint. This procedure is rapidly expanding, as seen in the increase of training workshops available across the USA. Despite the current interest, there remains a need for clinical documentation pertaining to the degree of its usage and effectiveness. Although the time for experimental research on mobilisation has yet to come, the present data provide findings of an exploratory nature about the current status of joint mobilisation. The study is based on a survey of American and Canadian therapists who participated in introductory workshops on joint mobilisation to determine its utilisation and perceived effectiveness. The results indicated that of 112 trained therapists employed in a setting with patients suitable for mobilisation, 95% were using the procedure in their treatment. Respondents rated the perceived efficacy of mobilisation at 2.52 on a scale of one to seven (one being most positive), indicating that it was useful in patient treatment. Areas of practice where respondents most often used mobilisation were orthopaedics and neurology, with some application in paediatrics and bums. A majority of the sample recommended that joint mobilisation be incorporated in basic entry level education, whereas some believed it would be better placed in postgraduate continuing education.
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