Bounty Physio
Mulligan Therapy
Effective Pain Relief With Mulligan Therapy
If you’re suffering from stubborn joint or spinal pain, Mulligan therapy may bring you the rapid relief you’ve been needing. Here at Bounty Physio, our physiotherapists use this hands-on manual therapy system to treat a variety of musculoskeletal issues.
Developed in New Zealand by renowned physical therapist Brian Mulligan, Mulligan therapy focuses on improving function by “mobilising with movement.” Gentle sustained motions are applied to joints and the spine while you perform active range of motion.
This allows joints to move properly without restriction or pain. It re-programs your neuromuscular system for optimal control and mechanics during movement.
How Does Mulligan Therapy Work?
Mulligan therapy addresses the relationship between pain and movement dysfunction. The goal is to allow you to move freely without pain by improving joint mobility and control.
The main techniques involve:
- Mobilisation – Your therapist applies gentle glides or oscillations to the painful joint or spinal segment.
- Movement – You actively move the area as it’s being mobilized. This “slides” the joint surfaces into proper alignment.
- Restoration of control – Your nervous system learns to keep the joint moving correctly without pain.
As you repeat controlled motions during therapy, the disruptive pain signals are extinguished. You regain normal biomechanics and fluid joint motion.
What Conditions Is Mulligan Therapy Used For?
Mulligan therapy effectively treats:
- Low back pain
- Sciatica
- Disc herniations
- Sacroiliac joint pain
- Whiplash
- Neck pain
- Shoulder impingement
- Tennis/golfer’s elbow
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Knee injuries
- Ankle sprains
- Plantar fasciitis
- TMJ dysfunction
It can resolve pain and mobility deficits from recent injuries as well as chronic joint degeneration. The results are often immediate.
What Are the Benefits of Mulligan Therapy?
Advantages of Mulligan therapy include:
- Rapid pain relief – Many patients experience reduced pain right away during treatment.
- Restored mobility – Stiff painful joints can move freely again.
- No medication required – It provides natural pain relief without drugs.
- Patient empowerment – You learn techniques to self-treat recurring pain.
- Lasting results – Pain and mobility improvements remain between therapy sessions.
- Resolves muscle guarding – With the pain “turned off,” protective muscle guarding resolves.
- Enhanced function – Activities limited by pain become possible again.
- Prevents “wear and tear” – Optimal mechanics protect joints from further damage.
Mulligan therapy gets you moving and functioning again without reliance on medication.
What Does Mulligan Therapy Involve?
During your first visit, your therapist will assess joint movements and identify the painful directions. They will then apply mobilisation forces while moving your limb or spine in specific ways until the pain is “switched off.”
With the pain relieved, you’ll practise controlled motions to re-train optimal motor control through the area. Your therapist will also teach you mobilisation techniques to use at home whenever pain returns.
Follow-up visits focus on ensuring you can maintain independent pain-free movement. Exercises, taping, bracing, or other therapies may be added to support your continued improvements.
How Many Visits Are Needed?
For straightforward joint or spinal pain, 1-3 sessions may resolve the issues. Recurrent or longstanding pain often requires 6 or more visits. Your Mulligan therapist can advise how many appointments are recommended for maximum improvements.
Consistency with home techniques and exercises between visits is key to prolonging the benefits. Maintenance therapy may be needed periodically to prevent recurrence.
Why Choose Bounty Physio for Mulligan Therapy?
Our Mulligan-certified physiotherapists integrate this proven manual technique into customised treatment programs. Benefits of working with us include:
- Advanced credentials – Our therapists complete intensive Mulligan certification courses.
- Specialised skills – We regularly utilise Mulligan therapy to fine-tune our manual therapy skills.
- Latest techniques – We follow current best practice guidelines for optimal implementation.
- Tailored treatments – Mulligan therapy is adapted to each patient’s unique presentation.
- Progressive exercise – We restore muscular endurance and add joint stability.
- Patient education – You’ll learn to self-treat recurring episodes of pain.
Achieve Lasting Pain Relief
If painful joints are limiting your mobility, consider Mulligan therapy to get you moving comfortably again.
Contact us today to book your assessment!