Abstract

In spite of recent advances in surgical technique, utilization of constant passive motion (CPM) devices and functional post-operative bracing to encourage the early controlled restoration of range of motion, the sports therapist or athletic trainer will occasionally encounter an athlete who demonstrates difficulty in regaining normal joint motion. The traditional approach to such problems has been to apply sustained stretching techniques. This paper will present an introduction to the basic physiological and therapeutic principles of mobilization, a manual therapy alternative to such traditional approaches. The application of mobilization techniques to the motion-restricted knee seen in sports medicine is then illustrated. Verf.-Referat