What Is Range of Motion?
Range of Motion is the degree through which a joint can move in a specific direction. Clinicians assess active motion performed by you and passive motion guided by another person. The findings may show stiffness, pain-related limits, weakness, or differences between sides during a shoulder evaluation.
Quick Facts About Range of Motion
Category
Physical examination measure
Used for
Assessing joint movement
Common confusion
Not identical to flexibility
Also called
ROM
Often discussed with
Shoulder Pain Treatment
Key Takeaways About Range of Motion
- It describes movement at a joint, not muscle strength alone.
- Shoulder motion may be checked in several directions.
- Range of Motion is not the same as flexibility.
How Range of Motion Works
Range of Motion describes joint movement through a direction that an examiner can observe and assess. Active motion occurs when you move the joint yourself. Passive motion occurs when another person guides the joint while you remain relaxed. Comparing these findings can help separate pain-related limits from movement limits linked to stiffness or weakness.
Related glossary terms: Joint Mobilization, Manual Muscle Testing, Rotator Cuff.
During a shoulder assessment, the examiner observes movement in directions such as lifting, reaching across the body, and rotating the arm. The assessment considers comfort, smoothness, control, and differences between sides. Manual Muscle Testing may add information about strength, while Joint Mobilization describes a hands-on method that may be used during care.
From the Arrowhead Clinic Chiropractic - Albany team
When we assess Range of Motion for shoulder pain, we observe how you move and ask about discomfort during each direction. We compare active movement with guided movement and consider the findings alongside strength, posture, and the reported history.
Range of Motion in Practice: A Real-World Example
A person with shoulder pain may lift one arm only partway before discomfort limits the movement. The clinician records how the movement differs from the other side and considers that finding with the rest of the examination.
Related Services
Related Terms
Joint Mobilization
Joint mobilization is a manual therapy technique that uses controlled, low-velocity movements to assess and improve…
Manual Muscle Testing
Manual Muscle Testing is a hands-on assessment that examines how well a specific muscle or muscle…
Rotator Cuff
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and their tendons that support the shoulder…
Sprain and Strain
A sprain and strain are soft-tissue injuries that affect different structures. A sprain involves a ligament…
Arrowhead Clinic Chiropractic - Albany
Have Questions About Range of Motion?
Contact Arrowhead Clinic Chiropractic - Albany for practical guidance on Range of Motion and related chiropractor work in Albany.