The Mulligan technique involves applying sustained pressure or mobilization to a joint while the patient performs a specific movement. The goal is to restore normal joint mechanics and reduce pain and dysfunction. Key techniques include SNAGs (sustained natural apophyseal glides) and SMWLMs (spinal mobilization with limb movement). The technique follows the principle that once a passive glide is pain-free, the physiotherapist progresses the treatment by having the patient perform movements without pain. Contraindications include fractures, dislocations, ligament/tendon tears, joint instability, and acute inflammation.

1. supervised by
Dr shimaa taha
MULLIGAN
Techniques

2. OUR
TEAM

4. The Mulligan technique involves the application of
sustained pressure or mobilization to a joint or
soft tissue while the patient performs a specific
movement or action. The goal of the technique is
to restore normal joint mechanics and reduce pain
and dysfunction.
DEFINITION

5. Mulligan Concept follows the principle that once
a passive glide or mobilization applied to the joint
is pain-free, the Physiotherapist progressesthe
treatment. So, to progressthe treatment, the
patient must have an increasing range of motion
and move without any pain.
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6. 1-A passive accessory joint mobilization
2-This accessory glide must itself be pain free.
3- During assessment the therapist will identify
one or more comparable signs
Examples of this signs
loss of joint movement
pain associated with movement
pain associated with specific functional activities
principles of treatment

7. principles of treatment
The therapist must continuously monitor the patients reaction
to ensure no pain is recreated.
The therapist investigates various combinations of parallel or
perpendicular glides
to find the correct treatment plane and grade of accessory movement.
The previously restricted and/or painful motion or activity is repeated
by the patient while the therapist continues to maintain the
appropriate accessory glide.

8. Note:
Failure to improve the comparable sign would indicate
that the therapist has not found the correct treatment
plane, grade of mobilization, spinal segment or that
the technique is not indicated

9. Techniques
SNAGs
-SNAGs stand for SustainedNatural ApophysealGlides.?can be
applied to all the spinal joints,the rib cage and the sacroiliacjoint
The therapistapplies the appropriateaccessoryzygapophyseal
glide while the patient performsthe symptomaticmovement.
his must resultin full range pain free movement.
SNAGs are most successfulwhen symptomsare provoked by a
movementand are not multilevel.
AlthoughSNAGs are usually performedin weightbearing
positionsthey can be adapted for use in non weightbearing
positions.

10. Techniques
SPINAL MOBILIZATION WITH LIMB
MOVEMENT (SMWLMS)
transverse pressure is applied to the side of
the relevant spinous process as the patient
concurrently moves the limb through the
previously restricted range of movement.
The assumption here is that the restriction of
movement is of spinal origin of course.

11. Techniques
NAGS
NAGs stand for 'Natural Apophyseal Glides”.
NAGs are used for the cervical and upper thoracic spine.
They consist of oscillatory mobilizations instead of sustained
glide like SNAGs, and it can be applied to the facet joints
between 2nd cervical and 3rd thoracic vertebrae.

12. equipments
mulligan belt
mulligan pads
plinth
tape

14. 1. Fractures: Mulligan technique involves mobilization of joints and
manipulation of soft tissue, which can be harmful in cases of bone
fractures.
2. Dislocations: Dislocated joints should not be manipulated using
Mulligan technique, as it can cause further damage to the joint.
3. Ligament or tendon tears: Mulligan technique can aggravate
tears in ligaments or tendons, leading to further injury.
4. Joint instability: Mulligan technique may not be appropriate for
patients with joint instability, as it can cause further instability and
damage to the joint.
5. Acute inflammation:Mulligan technique involves mobilization of
joints and soft tissue, which can increase inflammation and cause
further pain if used during the acute phase of an injury.
6. Severe osteoporosis: Patients with severe osteoporosis may be
at risk of fractures during Mulligan technique, and therefore it
may not be appropriate for them.

15. Corrects abnormal reflexes and organ dysfunction .
Stretches contractedmuscles causing relaxation
Modulates peripheralnociceptors
Activates gating mechanism , neurotransmitters
Associated changes in sympathetic and motor
system .