MULLIGAN MOBILIZATION TECHNIQUES TO RESTORE KNEE FLEXION IN A POST-ACLR HANDBALL PLAYER: A CASE REPORT

Background:Persistent limitations in knee flexion after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) with meniscus repair can hinder athletic performance,delay return to sport, and reduce overallquality of life Purpose:This case report explores the application of Mulligan mobilization techniques to address chronic knee flexion restriction in a competitive handball player one year post-ACLR.

Case Description: A 24-year-old male handball player, one year post-ACLR using a patellar tendon bone (PTB) graft with concurrent medial meniscus repair, presented with knee flexion limited to 125, pain during quadriceps stretching, and difficulty in functional positions such as cross-legged sitting. Intervention: An 8 week program incorporating weekly Mulligan mobilization with movement (MWM) techniques lateral tibial glide in prone and internal tibial rotation in supine was implemented alongside home-based active flexion drills.

Outcomes: Knee flexion improved to >135 with resolution of pain during functional positions and quadriceps stretching. The patient returned to full handball training without restrictions.

Conclusion: Mulligan mobilization techniques may offer an effective, non-invasive solution for post-operative flexion deficits in athletes, supporting both functional recovery and return-to-sport readiness.