What Is Mulligan Mobilization?
Mulligan Mobilization — formally known as Mobilization With Movement (MWM) — is a specialized manual therapy technique developed by New Zealand physiotherapist Brian Mulligan. It combines a therapist-applied joint glide with the patient's own active movement, often producing immediate and dramatic reductions in pain and improvements in range of motion.
What makes Mulligan different from conventional joint mobilization is that it works while you move — not passively on a table. The therapist sustains a precise accessory force on the joint as you perform a movement that was previously painful or restricted. When applied correctly, that movement becomes pain-free, and the improvements often last.
The Science: How Does It Work?
Mulligan originally proposed that MWM corrects minor 'positional faults' in joint alignment. While this theory has been debated and refined, current research points to a more nuanced explanation: MWM appears to restore the optimal path of the joint's instantaneous axis of rotation (IAR) — the dynamic center point around which a joint moves.
When a joint sustains injury or develops dysfunction, this axis shifts, causing abnormal movement patterns, pain, and compensation. By applying a gentle corrective glide during movement, MWM redirects the joint back through its optimal path, relieving pain and restoring function.
Research also highlights strong neurophysiological effects — meaning MWM doesn't just work mechanically, it also changes how the nervous system processes pain signals at the joint.
Research Highlight: A 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis of 10 trials (419 patients) found that Mulligan MWM significantly reduced pain and improved ankle range of motion, balance, and function in patients with ankle sprains, with overall low risk of bias.
Research Highlight: A 2025 meta-analysis of 27 studies (1,157 participants) found MWM demonstrated statistical superiority in shoulder function, flexion, and abduction ROM compared to other mobilization techniques, with a significant reduction in pain intensity.
Research Highlight: Systematic reviews consistently show that all published trials of Mulligan MWM for peripheral joints report positive clinical outcomes in both pain and function.
What Can Mulligan Mobilization Treat?
MWM is highly versatile and can be applied to joints throughout the body. At MoveWell With Don, it is used to address:
Ankle sprains and chronic ankle instability — one of the most well-researched applications
Shoulder impingement, frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis), and rotator cuff conditions
Knee pain and osteoarthritis
Cervical (neck) pain and headaches arising from the cervical spine
Low back pain
Elbow conditions including lateral epicondylalgia (tennis elbow)
Wrist and thumb stiffness or pain
Hip mobility restrictions
Post-surgical joint stiffness
What to Expect During a Mulligan Session
The Mulligan approach begins with testing. Dr. Don will identify a movement that is painful or restricted for you, then apply a gentle manual force to the joint as you repeat that same movement. The goal is simple: if the technique is correctly applied, your movement should become immediately pain-free or significantly easier.
This test-retest approach means you feel the difference in real time — and Dr. Don can fine-tune the direction and magnitude of the glide until the optimal position is found. Sessions are active, collaborative, and focused on restoring functional movement you can use in real life.
Mulligan techniques are virtually always pain-free. If a technique causes pain, it is modified or discontinued.
Why Mulligan Works for Athletes
For weightlifters, climbers, and active individuals, joint mobility is performance. A stiff ankle affects your squat. A restricted shoulder limits your overhead press and your climbing reach. A dysfunctional hip pattern loads your lower back every time you deadlift.
Mulligan mobilization targets the exact movement restrictions that hold athletes back — and it often works fast. Many patients experience meaningful improvement within 1–3 sessions. Dr. Don combines MWM with corrective exercise and movement coaching so the gains stick.
San Diego's Mobile Mulligan Mobilization Expert
As a mobile physical therapist serving San Diego, Dr. Don brings Mulligan Mobilization to your home, gym, or workplace. No clinic required. Just skilled, evidence-based manual therapy delivered where you actually live and train.
Book a free phone consultation today to find out if Mulligan Mobilization is right for your joint pain or movement restriction.