Evaluating the Efficacy of Mulligan Mobilization Techniques for Alleviating Chronic Cervical Spine Pain and Improving Range of Motion: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Keywords:
Mulligan mobilization, cervical spine pain, Mobilization with Movement, Sustained Natural Apophyseal Glides, chronic pain, manual therapy, pain relief, range of motion, quality of life.Abstract
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluate the effectiveness of Mulligan mobilization techniques, specifically Mobilization with Movement (MWM) and Sustained Natural Apophyseal Glides (SNAGs), in managing chronic cervical spine pain. Chronic cervical pain impacts mobility, quality of life, and mental well-being, yet conventional treatments often provide only temporary relief. Mulligan techniques, which combine passive mobilization with active patient movement, address both mechanical and neurological aspects of pain. The review analyzed data from studies published between 2015 and 2022, comparing outcomes such as pain relief, range of motion, and patient-reported quality of life. Findings suggest that Mulligan mobilization techniques yield significant improvements in pain reduction, functional mobility, and mental health, offering a viable alternative to traditional manual therapy. The active involvement of patients during Mulligan treatments appears to enhance adherence and promote long-term benefits. This research supports the inclusion of Mulligan mobilizations in clinical practice as an effective, patient-centered approach to chronic cervical pain management.
References
- Abdu, M. M., & Boltz, J. K. (2021). Assessing manual therapy efficacy in chronic neck pain: A systematic review. Journal of Pain Research, 14, 2551-2560.
- Azadi, S., & Fallah, A. (2020). Comparative study on Mulligan’s techniques and other manual interventions for cervical pain relief. Physical Therapy in Sport, 43, 23-31.
- Barrett, M. L., & Green, P. (2021). Manual therapies for cervical dysfunction: A meta-analytic review. Manual Therapy Research Journal, 15(2), 103-115.
- Bashir, M., & Khan, A. (2022). Effects of Mulligan mobilization in reducing chronic neck pain: A randomized control trial. Journal of Orthopedic Research, 40(5), 873-879.
- Calvo, M., & Diaz, P. (2019). Therapeutic interventions for chronic cervical spine pain. Journal of Physiotherapy, 66(3), 134-142.
- Cheng, Y., & Gomez, A. (2020). Evaluating the effectiveness of mobilization techniques for chronic pain: An RCT study. International Journal of Rehabilitation Research, 38(2), 89-97.
- Costa, L. D., & Pires, C. A. (2021). Review of manual therapy approaches for chronic musculoskeletal pain. Clinical Journal of Pain, 37(8), 615-625.
- Day, R., & Lee, C. Y. (2020). Long-term outcomes of Mulligan techniques for neck pain: A randomized control trial. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 46, 102118.
- Fernandez, J. W., & Kim, M. (2018). Evidence-based application of Mulligan mobilization in chronic neck pain. Journal of Manual and Manipulative Therapy, 27(1), 23-32.
- Gallego, P., & Martinez, E. (2022). Systematic review on Mulligan mobilization efficacy in chronic neck pain. International Manual Therapy Journal, 31(2), 123-134.
- Handa, Y., & Martin, R. (2020). Cervical mobilizations and functional outcomes in chronic pain patients. Journal of Orthopedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 50(6), 351-359.
- Iqbal, T., & Sohail, H. (2019). Effectiveness of Mulligan techniques in reducing pain and improving range of motion. Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, 42(4), 217-224.
- Jackson, L., & Chung, T. (2022). Meta-analysis of manual therapy techniques for chronic cervical spine pain. International Journal of Rehabilitation Sciences, 41(5), 357-368.
- Jow, G., & Tran, M. H. (2018). Systematic analysis of cervical spine pain interventions. Clinical Biomechanics, 64, 103-110.
- Kaur, J., & Singh, R. (2021). Role of mobilization with movement in chronic neck pain: A clinical review. Journal of Physiotherapy Research, 36(3), 198-207.
- Liao, R., & Tai, F. (2019). Mulligan techniques versus traditional therapies for neck stiffness. Journal of Musculoskeletal Pain, 27(2), 102-111.
- Mendez, S. R., & Bennett, D. (2020). Comparative outcomes of Mulligan versus Maitland techniques. Manual Therapy Studies, 45, 12-20.
- Moreno, L. J., & Clark, W. H. (2021). Long-term efficacy of manual therapy in chronic neck pain: A systematic review. Pain Management Journal, 42(4), 235-245.
- Oliver, M., & Sheikh, F. (2018). Therapeutic interventions for chronic neck pain relief: A critical review. Journal of Clinical Therapy, 57(5), 201-212.
- Patel, R., & Lee, T. (2019). The role of mobilization techniques in cervical spine rehabilitation. Physical Therapy Journal, 45(3), 155-162.
- Quinlan, H., & Roberts, J. (2021). Effectiveness of Mulligan mobilizations for pain and stiffness in chronic conditions. Rehabilitation Journal, 59(2), 89-97.
- Ramirez, H. A., & Jordan, M. (2020). Therapeutic benefits of sustained apophyseal glides in cervical pain. Journal of Pain and Relief, 62(4), 415-421.
- Rivera, L., & Yan, J. (2022). Systematic review of Mulligan mobilization in treating musculoskeletal pain. Journal of Manual Therapy, 28(3), 210-222.
- Silva, T., & Patel, M. (2021). The effectiveness of Mulligan’s mobilization techniques in chronic neck pain. Clinical Journal of Physical Therapy, 33(5), 132-140.
- Turner, N., & Li, Q. (2020). A systematic review of mobilization with movement for chronic neck pain. Journal of Physiotherapy Science, 12(6), 221-233.
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) IJSRST

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.