Client Assessment & Treatment Planning

Lesson 5 of 10

Range of Motion and Special Tests

Simple movement observations may help a massage therapist understand comfort and function relevant to a session. Active range of motion asks the client to move; passive movement is therapist-guided and requires particular care, training, and clear permission. Any test must be appropriate to education, jurisdiction, client status, and scope. Do not use a test to diagnose; stop when symptoms or safety concerns warrant it.

Key points

• Explain the movement or procedure in plain language and obtain permission before assessment.
• Start with comfortable active movement when suitable; ask about pain, ease, and any meaningful difference the client notices.
• Do not force end range or continue against pain, resistance, dizziness, numbness, or distress.
• Use passive movement or a special test only when trained, appropriate, within applicable scope, and clinically justified for the service decision.
• Describe what was observed and the client’s response rather than assigning a diagnostic label.
• When results suggest a concern outside your role, avoid further provocative testing and recommend appropriate evaluation.

Key terms

Range of motion (ROM)

The movement available at a joint or body region during a defined action.

Active range of motion

Movement performed voluntarily by the client.

Passive movement

Movement guided by another person while the client does not actively produce it.

Special test

A structured assessment maneuver whose use requires relevant training and scope.