MobilizationIt has long been known that a passive movement, (e.g. movement of a joint, operated by someone else) of certain injured joint muscles, can be a relatively painless way to encourage a joint and the muscles of that joint to become freer and more mobile. If done by a qualified professional in a correct and gentle way, after first loosening the surrounding tissues by massage, it can help restore the full range of movement in that area faster and easier than some other forms of treatment.As the relaxed muscles are slowly and gently eased through the natural range of movement certain things are brought into play. The muscle begin to stretch the fibres that have been holding together trying to perform a protective sheath the stop the joint from further injury. Begin to take on more nutrition and expel the toxins and waste products that have been building up because of the fibre's spasm.The tendons are able to move and regain their mobility. Also the ligaments of the joint can take on the job of allowing the joint to move again and stop any calcification building up around them. It also allows the body to make synovial fluid (in synovial joints) to "lubricate" the joint as this fluid may be lost because of the injury.There is also a psychological and physiological barrier that can be broken down when it is seen by the patient that the joint can be moved without the normally accompanying pain- albeit that the moment is achieved by someone else.During Mobilisation is it quite normal to hear "clicks." This is normal and is generally tendons and /or ligaments that have been under strain by their relative muscles being tight or in spasm, relaxing and returning to their natural site. It is also possible to be the breaking down of small crystallizations or adhesions in the fascia of the muscles, This is not to be confused to the "click" of a joint or vertebral adjustment which is a different sound and also there would be a loosening of the joint itself. It is possible a joint may be realigned during mobilization. If the muscle is tight and pulling the joint out of its natural setting, this is a natural effect of muscles relaxing and should not cause any concern. If you have any concerns please mention it to the practitioner at the time. Do not wait until the next day or the next appointment.