Mulligan Manual Therapy Concept
The Mulligan Manual Therapy Concept (MMTC) is a specific approach used in physical therapy. Developed by pioneering New Zealand physical therapist Brian Mulligan, this manual therapy technique involves a therapist repositioning a painful joint or body part as the patient moves through their range of motion. This approach aims to restore function and relieve pain. Summit Orthopedics offers MMTC for patients in the greater Minneapolis/St. Paul area.
How MMTC Works
The core of the Mulligan Manual Therapy Concept is using a manual technique known as mobilization with movement (MWM). The physical therapist (PT) applies mild force to a painful joint while the patient moves it.
During a physical examination, your therapist will determine whether your pain or loss of range of motion is due to a positional fault. Based on their findings, the PT will then reposition that joint using their hands or a strap as you move through the range of motion. This repositioning only takes a few minutes and aims to restore your natural biomechanics.
MMTC is intended to be “pain-free, instant and long-lasting.” However, some people may feel slight discomfort or sustained pressure during the therapy.
Benefits of Mulligan Manual Therapy Concept
Physical therapy using the Mulligan technique has multiple benefits, including:
- Immediate reduction in pain for some patients
- Improvement in range of motion
- Long-lasting effects
Additionally, because PTs teach patients how to use Mulligan concepts at home, you can learn how to manage symptoms if they return.
Who Needs MMTC
The Mulligan Manual Therapy Concept can benefit many patients, especially those with
- Arthritis
- Chronic joint pain
- Limited range of motion in joints
If joint pain restricts your activities or affects your quality of life, MMTC may help. Your PT will likely use it as one among several approaches during your physical therapy sessions.
Conditions and Injuries Treated
Providers use Mulligan Manual Therapy Concept to treat joint pain and musculoskeletal problems restricting range of motion. Along with other conditions, MMTC may help improve symptoms of:
- Ankle strains and sprains
- Arthritis pain
- Dizziness
- Elbow pain
- Hand and wrist pain
- Headaches
- Hip pain
- Knee pain
- Lower back (lumbar spine) pain
- Middle back (thoracic spine) pain
- Neck (cervical spine) pain
- Shoulder pain and limited range of motion
Who Can Perform Mulligan Manual Therapy?
Not just any physical therapist is qualified to use MMTC. The Mulligan Concept is only taught as post-graduate continuing education coursework through the Mulligan Concept Teachers Association. In order to receive Certified Mulligan Practitioner (CMP) status, a PT must complete three classes and then pass a rigorous practical and written examination. A CMP is expected to uphold the highest ethical and professional standards.
Find a Summit Orthopedics physical therapist who specializes in Mulligan Manual Therapy Concept.