Mobilisations With Movement (MWMs) have been a trusted technique in musculoskeletal physiotherapy for decades, as a tool that can be applied with immediate improvements in pain and mobility. But in an era where rehabilitation is increasingly evidence-based and exercise-focused, do MWMs still hold a place in modern-day physiotherapy?

In this blog, we’ll explore the role of MWMs in contemporary physio, their mechanisms, and how you can integrate them effectively into practice to optimise patient outcomes. We’ll also discuss when and why MWMs might be beneficial and how they complement active rehabilitation strategies.

Change in perspective

Thomas Mitchell argues MWMs can still be a powerful tool for some patients, some of the time, and when used correctly. They blend passive joint mobilisation with active patient movement.

While manual therapy has lost favour in evidence-based physiotherapy, MWMs still have a place—if we reframe our understanding of why and how they should be used. Instead of relying on them as standalone treatments, integrating MWMs with active rehabilitation can enhance patient outcomes.

Some key benefits Thomas highlights include:

• Reducing fear of movement
• Enhancing patient-therapist rapport
• Adjunct to improve compliance
• Empowering patients through self-mobilisation

So no, MWMs aren’t about magically “realigning” a body part—but that doesn’t mean they don’t have a place in modern physiotherapy. When used with sound clinical reasoning, they can be a valuable tool for reducing pain, improving movement, and enhancing patient confidence in their recovery.