The effectiveness of mobilisation with movement for chronic medial ankle pain: a case study

Abstract

Introduction and Purpose: It has been shown that approximatelythirty percent of those sustaining an ankle sprain are likely to develop chronicfunctional limitations. Mulligan has developed mobilisation with movement (MWM)for treatment of joint dysfunction and suggests that it is a positional fault of the jointthat causes pain and movement restriction. Method: This single case reports on the effects of a MWM technique on chronicmedial ankle pain. The patient was a 25-year-old female runner who had experiencedpain since an initial ankle sprain at 8 years of age. The main findings of the subjective and physical examinations were decrease in active and passive dorsiflexion and eversion range of motion (ROM), shortening of gastrocnemiusand soleus muscles and the functional limitation of pain when running. The patient was treated twice with the MWMtechnique.Results: Outcomes of immediate reduction in pain, restoration of full dorsiflexion and eversion ROM, increase in calfmuscle length and pain free running were observed. This was maintained over a four-month follow up period.Conclusion: This case concurs with previous studies detailing increases in range of motion and restoration of painfree movement as well as adding new support for the resolution of chronic pain with MWM.