Ankle Dorsiflexion Mobilization
Ankle Dorsiflexion Mobilization
This mobilization technique is designed to improve ankle dorsiflexion, which is the ability to bring your foot and toes closer to your shin.
How to Perform Ankle Dorsiflexion Mobilization
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Traditional Posterior Glide: Begin with a traditional posterior glide of the talus. As the knee comes forward, direct the ankle down. If the person still feels a pinch in the front of your ankle, you may need to try a different technique.
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Posterior Fibular Mobilization:
- This is the mobilization for ankle dorsiflexion I like to start with
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Cup your hand around the lateral malleolus (the bony prominence on the outside of the ankle).
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Apply a posterior and slightly inferior glide to the fibula.
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Have the person move their knee forward. You may need to reposition your hand on the fibula to find the most effective spot.
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Posterior Fibular with Anterior Tibial Glide:
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Apply a posterior glide to the fibula while simultaneously pulling the tibia forward (anterior glide).
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Posterior Glide of Both:
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Scoop both the fibula and tibia and apply a posterior glide.
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Have the person move their knee forward. They should feel the stretch in the back of the lower leg.
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Repetitions
Once you find the technique that works best, perform 10 repetitions, applying more pressure as the person goes farther into the stretch. After the set, have them perform a few repetitions on their own.
