Treating mechanical joint dysfunction in children: a retrospective exploratory report of selected cases.

Aims: The purpose of reporting on selected cases is to increase the recognition and treatment of mechanical joint dysfunction (restrictions in movement at the joint level) in pediatric patients.
Methods: The selected cases demonstrate a variety of clinical outcomes that are possible using manual therapy to improve mechanical joint dysfunction and chronic pain. The techniques used for these patents were performed by a physical therapist without formal manual therapy training to encourage more physical therapists to use manual therapy as an intervention to improve outcomes in pediatric patients.
Results: The hands-on treatment used to treat mechanical joint dysfunction improved participation and function in children of various ages with a variety of clinical issues.
Conclusions: : Recognizing and treating mechanical joint restrictions that interfere with active movement in children may result in decreased pain and improved motor skills, balance, self-regulation, sleep hygiene, and social interactions. Clinicians should consider manual therapy as an intervention strategy for pediatric patients with mechanical joint restrictions.