• Mobilization is the passive movement of a joint through its' physiological ranges of motion. Repetitive passive joint oscillations at the limit of the joint's available range can have mechanical effects on joint mobility
• Neurological effects of passive mobilization includes restoration of nerve and joint function, and reduction in pain via stimulation of large-fiber joint afferents and associated release of endorphins 

• Spinal and Joint Mobilization

Restricted joint range of motion can be diagnosed by evaluating "joint play" (Maigne R., 1997). In the spine joint play is assessed by applying springing pressure over the spinous processes. Normal joints allow the spine to deflect in the direction of pressure with little or no associated pain. The application of pressure to abnormal joints allows little deflection and causes pain. As reported in a double blind study, manual diagnosis for zygapophysial joint pain syndrome can be as accurate as radiologically controlled diagnostic blocks (Jull G., Bogduk N., et.al., 1988). Joint restriction could be due to spasm or shortening of surrounding muscles, shrinking of the joint capsule or entrapment of fat pads or meniscoides (inner membrane of the joint capsule) between articular surfaces.

       The entire musculoskeletal system behaves as a functionally linked kinetic chain. A localized tissue injury can produce functional biomechanical adaptations at locations some distance from the primary site of injury (Tollison D., et. al; 1994). This prompts evaluation and treatment of the whole spine, especially "transition" zones where the spinal curve changes from lordotic to kyphotic, or from kyphotic to lordotic (Maigne R., 1997). Pain, muscle spasm, and joint restriction needing treatment may occur at a site distant from the original injury.

       Treatment of the spinal motion segments (two vertebrae, one disc, two zygapophysial joints with associated muscles and ligaments) involves mobilization. Mobilization is the passive movement of a joint through its' physiological ranges of motion. Repetitive passive joint oscillations at the limit of the joint's available range can have mechanical effects on joint mobility, due to moving the joint tissue into the area of plastic deformation of the stress-strain curve (Paris S., 1979). Neurological effects of passive mobilization includes restoration of axonal transport, and reduction in pain via stimulation of large-fiber joint afferents and associated release of endorphins (Korr I.M., 1985). Self-mobilization exercises and postisometric relaxation techniques help maintain the effects of these office procedures.