Talocrural AP Glides

Purpose:  To increase range of motion of the talocrural joint. 

Procedure:  With the patient in supine, move the patient’s ankle into slight plantar flexion.  The therapist should use one hand to stabilize the patient’s distal tibiofibular joint and place the web space of the mobilizing hand on the patient’s talus.  The therapist applies a slight distractive force to the talocrural joint and simultaneously performs an AP or PA glide. PA glides can also be performed with the patient in hooklying by applying posteriorly directed forces to the distal tibia. 

Comments:  AP glides facilitate restoration of ankle dorsiflexion while PA glides facilitate ankle plantarflexion.