Grade 1
The clinician applies passive movement in a very small range, approximately 15-25% of the available joint play range.
Grade 2
Bone is passively moved in a moderate range to 50% or half of the available joint play range.
Grade 3
Passive force by the clinician causes one bone to move on the other to the end of the available joint play range.
Within these three grades the stretch or "hold" is approximately five to seven seconds.
The following are grades for oscillatory mobilizations:
Grade 1
Slow oscillations within the first 20-25% of the available joint play range.
Grade 2
Slow oscillations within 45-55% of the available joint play range, or from the beginning to the middle of available joint play range.
Grade 3
Slow oscillations from the middle of the available joint play range to the end of available joint play range.
Grade 4
Slow oscillations at the end of the available joint play range.
Grade 5
Bone is passively moved to the end-range, and a fast thrust is performed. This is manipulation.
Grades I & II – often used before & after treatment with grades III & IV
Grades I and II - primarily used for pain
Grades III and IV - primarily used to increase motion