**Judo Therapy Joint Mobilization: Simple and Effective Techniques for the Upper Body**

Joint mobilization in Judo therapy is a gentle manual technique used to restore movement and reduce stiffness or pain in the joints. What makes this approach unique is its foundation in Judo’s martial arts principles—specifically, the use of leverage rather than raw strength. Unlike conventional manual therapy that depends heavily on the therapist’s muscular force, Judo therapy applies body mechanics to create efficient and painless mobilization. By positioning the patient strategically and using carefully guided motions, the therapist can perform traction or rotation without strain, enhancing joint function through natural movement patterns. This makes the technique not only effective but also accessible to therapists of all physical builds.

For the pectoralis major, a key muscle responsible for moving the arm forward and inward, tightness can limit shoulder motion and encourage slouched posture. To mobilize this area, the patient lies comfortably while the therapist holds their arms, stabilizes themselves with one foot on the bed, and places a knee gently against the patient's spine. From this position, the arms are slowly pulled back and held for ten seconds. Changing the shoulder angle slightly by moving it outward can intensify the stretch and improve results.

To target the trapezius, which spans from the neck to the shoulders and upper back, the patient lies on their back as the therapist holds their shoulders down to prevent movement. The therapist then gently bends the patient’s neck forward, ensuring the shoulders stay in place. This isolates the trapezius and allows for a more focused and effective stretch.

For the latissimus dorsi, which supports shoulder motion and spinal alignment, the patient is seated on the edge of the bed with their feet not touching the surface. The therapist then gently applies a downward pull to the pelvis. Because the feet are off the ground, the pelvis moves freely, allowing the muscle to stretch fully and relieve built-up tension.

These techniques in Judo therapy are designed to improve upper body flexibility, reduce muscle tightness, and support better posture through safe, effective, and intelligent use of body mechanics.

2 Mobilization of the upper limbs 2

**Judo Therapy: Easy Joint Mobilization for the Arms**

Joint mobilization is a gentle yet effective way to keep muscles relaxed, flexible, and pain-free. This approach is especially helpful for maintaining arm function and comfort, and is suitable even for beginners. In this lesson, we’ll explore simple methods to stretch three key muscles of the arm: the biceps, triceps, and palmaris longus.

To stretch the biceps, which are responsible for bending the elbow and shoulder and turning the palm upward, you’ll need to do the opposite motion. Fully straighten both the elbow and shoulder, turn the palm downward into pronation, and keep the shoulders relaxed. Hold this position for about ten seconds. A helpful tip: without turning the palm down, you won’t effectively stretch the biceps.

Next, for the triceps, which are located at the back of the arm and help with arm extension, the goal is to deeply bend both the elbow and shoulder. Ensure that the elbow is fully bent to feel the stretch properly, and maintain the position for ten seconds. It’s important not to stop at a half-bent elbow—full flexion is key to activating this stretch.

Finally, the palmaris longus, a small muscle that assists in wrist flexion, can be stretched by fully extending the wrist as if you’re showing someone your palm. Open your fingers wide to increase the stretch along the tendons in your palm, and hold for ten seconds. The more you spread your fingers, the more effective the stretch becomes.

Incorporating these simple techniques into your routine helps keep your arms healthy, mobile, and ready for anything—whether for recovery after training or just for daily ease of movement.

How was our online Judo Therapy trial lecture?

In our online course, you can learn not only Judo therapy but also Japanese traditions and cultures.
The lectures are arranged so that not only those who are already active as medical professionals, but also those without medical experience can enjoy learning Judo therapy.
If you are interested in our online course, please apply for enrollment and take classes.
We look forward to seeing you again!

Kumazawa Judo Therapy Academy