What changes when Kaltenborn–Evjenth Mobilization meets the knee? Start with the patient's movement, assess safely, and see what the re-test reveals.
1 specific variationsClinical re-test built in
Specific variations
How this technique is applied in the knee
Each variation below is written so you can follow patient setup, contact, direction, dose and the re-test that decides whether the technique earned a place in the plan.
01
KneeTibiofemoral joint
Tibiofemoral Traction
One question matters more than the name of this variation: will the patient notice a useful change in Pain, flexion/extension and weight-bearing tolerance.? The careful re-test gets the final word.
The change we are looking for
Reduce compression sensitivity or stretch the capsule according to the traction grade.
Primary target
Tibiofemoral joint
The movement that tells us
Pain, flexion/extension and weight-bearing tolerance.
Patient focus
Reduce compression sensitivity or stretch the capsule according to the traction grade.
Therapist verifies
Pain, flexion/extension and weight-bearing tolerance.
Success signal
Keep the technique only if the re-test shows a meaningful improvement in pain, flexion/extension and weight-bearing tolerance. without symptom worsening.
Full clinical application
1
Position the patient
Sitting or supine with the knee positioned so the joint is relaxed.
2
Set the contact
Stabilize the femur and grasp the proximal tibia/leg securely without compressing the fibular head.
3
Apply the technique
Apply sustained distraction perpendicular to the tibial treatment plane.
4
Dose & re-test
10–30 second holds × 3–5. Re-test: Pain, flexion/extension and weight-bearing tolerance.
Clinical pearl
Grade choice should match irritability; a stiff joint does not automatically require a high-grade stretch.
Safety / avoid
Avoid acute instability, fracture or DVT.
Safety / do not apply when…
Avoid DVT, unstable ligament injury, fracture.
Clinical rule
A technically correct technique is not automatically a useful technique. Keep it only when the patient's pain, range or function improves in a clinically meaningful way, then transfer that gain into active movement, loading or self-management.
