
What Is The Mulligan Concept And How Can It Help Me?
“Mobilisation with Movement” manual therapy techniques were discovered and developed by Brian Mulligan F.N.Z.S.P. (Hon), Dip. M.T., Wellington, New Zealand. This simple yet effective manual approach addresses musculoskeletal disorders with pain free manual joint “repositioning” techniques for the restoration of function and the abolition of pain.

Benefits Of Mobilisation With Movement
Mobilisation with movement is a manual therapy approach utilised by Physiotherapists specialising in the care of the patient with musculoskeletal pain. Physiotherapists trained in the Mulligan Concept, can assist individuals in improving movement restrictions, pain with movement, and functional restrictions. Mulligan practitioners seek to improve the patient’s movement, with the application of pain free hands on techniques. Both the clinician and the patient can quickly assess the value of this approach.
If the technique(s) are applied, an immediate improvement in pain and body movement will be observed. The Mulligan Concept is not a passive treatment approach, and many individuals benefit from self-treatment at home.
Common Symptoms For This Approach
- Pain of a non-inflammatory nature
- Acute pain from injury
- Loss of motion due to arthritic conditions
- Post surgical conditions causing loss of pain free movement, e.g. post scope conditions, spinal surgery
- Headaches due to neck problems
- Jaw or TMJ pain and movement restrictions
- Acute to chronic ankle sprains
- “Tennis elbow” Tennis Elbow or lateral elbow pain

If you’d like to find out more about the Mulligan Concept or find a Physio near you that’s able to use the Mulligan Concept technique, you can press the button that’s below.
This blog was written by Molly Mo, Physio from the Morphett Vale practice.