Mulligan

Mulligan therapy is a form of manual therapy developed by New Zealand physiotherapist Brian Mulligan. It is primarily used to treat musculoskeletal pain and movement dysfunctions, particularly in the joints. Mulligan therapy involves a combination of joint mobilizations (manual techniques applied by the therapist to improve joint movement) and active patient movements.

The key principles of Mulligan therapy are:

• Pain-Free Movement: The therapist applies gentle joint mobilizations while the patient actively moves the affected joint. The goal is to restore normal joint function and eliminate pain, allowing the patient to move more freely without discomfort.
• Mobilizations with Movement (MWM): This is the core technique of Mulligan therapy. The therapist uses a specific, pain-free glide or mobilization of the joint while the patient performs an active movement. This can be done for conditions like neck, shoulder, knee, and back pain.
• Self-Treatment: Patients are often taught specific self-mobilization techniques that they can do at home to continue their rehabilitation process.

Mulligan therapy is particularly effective for conditions like joint pain, muscle stiffness, and functional impairments, including issues such as:

• Lower back pain
• Neck and shoulder pain
• Knee and ankle injuries
• Tennis elbow
• Hip and knee osteoarthritis

The technique is typically used by physiotherapists or chiropractors and is aimed at improving mobility, reducing pain, and restoring functional movement.