Massage Therapy: Techniques & Effects

Lesson 4 of 15

Joint Movements and Range of Motion

Range of motion (ROM) describes movement available at a joint. Therapists use movement observation to inform a session, not to diagnose beyond their training. Compare sides cautiously and stop when pain, guarding, or unusual symptoms appear.

Key points

• Flexion generally decreases a joint angle; extension generally increases it.
• Abduction moves away from the midline, while adduction moves toward it.
• Rotation turns around an axis; circumduction combines several directions into a cone-like movement.
• Active ROM is produced by the client; passive ROM is moved by an external force while the client remains relaxed.
• Active-assisted ROM combines client effort with support; never force a joint to its limit.

Key terms

Range of motion (ROM)

The amount of movement available at a joint.

Flexion

Movement that decreases the angle between two bones.

Extension

Movement that increases the angle between two bones.

Abduction

Movement of a limb away from the midline.

Adduction

Movement of a limb toward the midline.

Passive ROM

Joint movement performed by the therapist while the client stays relaxed.