Elbow Mobilizations

 Elbow Mobilizations

Elbow Distraction:

 - For this technique, the patient is positioned supine on a mat with the elbow flexed to 90 degrees and by the patient's side. The upper arm is stabilized with the non-mobilizing hand. The mobilizing hand grabs the patient's wrist and provides a superior-directed force toward the ceiling, creating distraction at the elbow joint that promotes joint play necessary for elbow flexion. This technique can also be performed with the elbow in more extension as a mobilization to promote elbow extension or an anterior capsular stretch.

Anterior glide:

- With the patient positioned in prone and the shoulder abducted to 90 degrees, the operator stabilizes the distal humerus with the stabilizing hand. The mobilizing hand is placed over the olecranon process. The mobilization involves a force directly through the line of the ulna toward the floor, moving the ulna in an anterior direction. This technique is often used for increasing elbow flexion.

Distal radial glide (on ulna)

- Patient positioned supine with arm at the side, forearm in neutral. The distal humerus is stabilized by one hand. The mobilizing hand is placed along the distal radius just proximal to the thumb. The mobilization occurs as the therapist pulls on the distal radius. This technique is often used to promote elbow extension by distraction the radiohumeral joint.