Learn about Mulligan’s Concept. How it works?

What is Mulligan’s Concept? 

Mulligan’s concept is a part of manual therapy used to treat a wide range of injuries, including back pain, neck pain, and lower extremity injuries. This concept has become famous for musculoskeletal injuries. Mulligan physical therapy is designed to improve mobility and range of motion. Highly trained and licensed physical therapists offer this treatment technique. In Mulligan physical therapy, the therapist targets patient’s affected joints to ease the pain and restore joint function. Mulligan’s concept is a 100% natural and effective treatment approach.  

It includes the following mobilizing techniques for the musculoskeletal injuries

• NAGs (Natural Apophyseal Glides)
• SNAGs (Sustained Natural Apophyseal Glides)
• MWM (Mobilization with Movement)

Natural Apophyseal Glides:  NAGs are used as part of the Mulligan Concept. This mobilizing technique is utilized on the upper thoracic spine and the cervical spine (neck). NAGs help to create pain-free ROM (range of motion) by repeated joint mobilizations. The repeated joint movement decreases pain and stiffness.   

Sustained Natural Apophyseal Glides:  SNAs are utilized to treat limb issues that have occurred as a result of spinal problems. This technique is used through the spine, sacroiliac joint, and rib cage. SNAs help increase joint function, improve the range of motion of limbs and decrease pain on movement of limbs.  

Mobilization with Movement:  MWM is another mobilization technique utilized for restricted limb movements that could be occurred due to spinal issues. MWM can be applied to the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, and ankle. Sustained Natural Apophyseal Glides are the form of Mobilization-with-Movements.  

MWM technique is based on PILL response.

• P- Stands for pain-free
• I-Stands for instant result
• LL-Stands for long-lasting

How does it work? 

Your physical therapist can utilize these mobilizing techniques according to your condition and level of pain. Before starting this treatment, the therapist will perform different tests. During the test, they will find if a range of motion loss, joint restriction, or pain is being caused by a joint.   

Your therapist may use a belt or their hand to fix the position of your joint. They may also develop a personalized treatment plan to improve joint function and movement.  

A trained and experienced physical therapist utilizes this concept to decrease the level of pain and perform other treatments. You can find therapists at hospitals, clinics, gyms, sports centers, schools, and nursing homes.  

They will work with you to find the causes of your physical limitation and will help you restore your ability to complete everyday tasks. Your therapist may also offer different home-based exercises and activities to improve your physical strength and flexibility.

Who can benefit from the mulligan concept?

This manual therapy treatment is beneficial to people suffering from musculoskeletal pain like back pain and neck pain. Mulligan’s concept can treat musculoskeletal disabilities and issues. As it applies manipulation and kneading techniques, it can improve joint function and reduce the inflammation of soft tissues. 

Therapists utilized both therapeutic exercises and the Mulligan’s Concept in order to decrease joint pain and improve the healing process. If you are experiencing a range of motion restrictions, stiffness, and pain, you can consider this therapy treatment. It will help you to avoid medications and surgical treatment.  

What conditions does the Mulligan concept treat?

There are different conditions and injuries that can benefit from this manual therapy. 

Some of them are given below:

• Joint pain or injury
• Ankle sprains
• Arthritis
• Rotator cuff tears
• Sports injury
• Frozen shoulder
• Sciatica
• Nerve impingement syndromes
• Facet joint locking
• Spinal misalignments
• Whiplash
• Reduced range of motion
• Movement related issued

Benefits of Mulligan Concept

Mulligan Concept aims to offer the following benefits:

• Increase the range of motion without pain
• Decrease pain, stiffness, inflammation, and discomfort
• Promote natural healing
• Restore the movement
• Restore active and pain-free life
• Improve the functionality of joint
• Prevent future injuries and pain
• Improve the joint mobility
• Decrease muscle tension and spasms
• Relax the body
• Decrease the recovery time
• Improve the quality of life

Final words

Manual therapy is used to treat different physical disabilities and ease musculoskeletal pain. Mulligan manual therapy can be used to improve body function, decrease soft tissue inflammation, and restore movement. This technique can offer a long-lasting result that dramatically enhances the quality of life.