A Massage Therapists Guide to Joint Mobilizations (2 CE)

Examine foot and ankle anatomy and major joints, then apply mobilization techniques and joint play assessments, including plantar fasciitis, flat feet, and obesity-related joint stress.

Learn foot and ankle mobilizations, including Taylor Curl joint traction and PR glide with tibial fixation, and apply metatarsal and toe joint traction and AP/PA glides.

Explore knee anatomy and mechanics, including the patellofemoral and tibiofemoral joints, ligaments, menisci, and muscular stabilizers; learn how mobilizations support postoperative rehab and knee osteoarthritis pain and function.

Learn knee mobilizations for massage therapy, including knee traction and app glide of the tibia on the femur and of the fibula on the tibia, with joint-line stabilization.

Understand the hip joint as a ball-and-socket, multi axial, weight bearing structure that balances mobility and stability, and address issues like arthritis and bursitis using compression and long axis traction.

Explore hip mobilizations through scouring, compression, traction, and lateral distraction, and build hip joint range of motion with internal/external rotation and muscle energy techniques.

Explore the sacroiliac joint anatomy and its weight-bearing role within the pelvic girdle, including capsule and synovial lining, and identify low back and buttock pain sources from injury or asymmetry.

Learn practical SI joint mobilizations for massage therapy, including AC joint dysfunction assessment, gentle gapping, distraction and compression tests, and posterior sacral mobilizations to relieve pain.

Explore the lumbar spine anatomy, weight bearing, and cauda equina nerve functions, plus common disorders like stenosis, sciatica, herniated discs, and cauda equina syndrome.

Learn practical lumbar assessment and mobilization techniques, including landmarking the iliac crest, posterior-to-anterior testing, lateral distractions, rotation of TVP and SP regions, catwalk and pelvis pull mobilizations, and lumbar traction.

Explore the thoracic spine anatomy, its rib attachments, and neural pathways, and learn how posture, breathing, and common injuries affect thoracic pain and spinal stability.

Learn thoracic spine mobilizations and assessment from t12 up to pt1, using posterior-to-anterior glides, catwalk, rotation, and lateral distraction to identify and address hypomobility or hypermobility.

Explore the cervical spine from atlas to axis, its seven vertebrae and facet joints, and how nerves from C2 to C7 relate to neck movement and conditions like osteoarthritis.

Learn cervical joint play techniques, including unilateral and bilateral posterior-to-anterior glides, rotations, lateral flexion, and traction, in prone or supine, with palpation to identify hypo- or hypermobility and document progress.

Explore the temporomandibular joint as a synovial joint linking the mandible to the temporal bone. Learn about the disc, hinge-like and sliding movements, and common TMJ disorders and symptoms.

learn to assess TMJ disorders with palpation, mirror checks, and controlled jaw movements, then practice gentle joint mobilizations and teeth traction to build confidence.

Explore TMJ mobilizations to assess jaw motion, correct clunkiness in closing and limited opening using traction, retraction, and protrusion with patient overpressure, followed by reassessment.

Explore the rib cage structure, true, false, and floating ribs, and their roles in protection and respiration, plus fracture risks, aging and pediatric differences.

Demonstrate rib mobilizations from ribs two through seven using segment-by-segment assessment, anterior-posterior pressure, joint mobilizations, and muscle energy techniques to address first rib fixation and thoracic outlet concerns.

Delve into scapula theory, its anatomy, and articulation with the humerus and clavicle forming the glenohumeral and acromioclavicular joints, plus common dysfunctions.

Learn scapula mobilizations for elevation and depression, upward and downward rotation, and protraction and retraction using side-lying, myofascial stretches, and muscle energy techniques.

Explore the shoulder's anatomy, including the humerus, scapula, clavicle, coracoid process, rotator cuff, bursa, and labrum, and identify conditions such as frozen shoulder, osteoarthritis, and impingement.

Learn practical shoulder mobilizations, including anterior-posterior glides, lateral distraction, and general traction with myofascial stretch, plus a downward glide and 2-5 second holds to restore glenohumeral mobility.

Examine the clavicle’s anatomy and its links to the sternum and scapula, and learn testing and mobilizations to address shoulder, neck, and TMJ-related pain.

learn clavicle mobilizations, including inferior and superior glides and dorsal and ventral (posterior-to-anterior) techniques, with careful palpation, client comfort, and tests for hypermobility.

Understand the elbow as a hinge joint with the humerus, ulna, and radius, and how mobilizations and soft tissue work address impingement and improve functional grip.

Learn elbow mobilizations to improve radial and ulnar deviation, olecranon and radial distractions, and radius glides (p to a and a2p) with stabilization and controlled traction.

Explore the hand and wrist anatomy with 27 bones—the carpal bones, metacarpals, and phalanges—plus soft tissue care, joint play assessment, mobilizations, and reassessment for hypo- or hypermobility.

Master radio carpal traction with distal fixation and rolled towel, then perform proximal stabilization and glides across mxgp, pip, dip joints, including AP, PR, and sideward wrist movements.