What step comes after joint mobilization?

• A. Passive to active
• B. Soft tissue manipulation
• C. Joint and soft tissue elongation
• D. Strength and conditioning

Answer: (C)

After joint mobilization, the aim is to preserve and extend the newly available range by lengthening the surrounding tissues. Joint mobilization improves joint play and reduces stiffness, but without elongating the periarticular structures, gains can be lost as tissues resist stretch again. Joint and soft tissue elongation uses stretching and lengthening techniques to increase tissue extensibility, promote collagen remodeling, and maintain the ROM gains achieved with mobilization. Strengthening typically comes later, once ROM and tissue length are restored. So the step that best follows mobilization is joint and soft tissue elongation.