Limited Range of Motion: Definition, Cause, Example.
Limited Range of Motion
Restricted or limited range of motion refers to the decreased joint ability to move in a certain way. Any deviation from a normal range of motion sees as a joint’s dysfunctionality.
Reduction in movement rarely comes overnight. Usually, it is a result of a long-term joints adaptation to stress and activities. If you experience a sudden loss of range of motion in any part of your body, we suggest you consult your doctor immediately.
Causes
Some of the causes for a limited range of motion in a particular body part may include:
- Previous fracture
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Repetitive movements
- Joint injury with swelling
- Arthritis
- Imbalance in strength/flexibility
- Muscle pain
- Overuse injuries
- Osteoarthritis
A lot of factors influence joint ability to move freely. By learning them, you will be more aware of what is suitable for your body’s health.
To learn how to improve flexibility and range of motion in the joints, click here. Using a simple devices like goniometers can help you uncover areas in your body that aren’t flexible enough.
Prevention
A key factor for maintaining a healthy body, in the long run, is prevention. It consists of:
- Education – Learning about the body’s ability to move and how its influenced by your daily activities is the first step into understanding the power of prevention.
- Consulting health professionals regarding functional assessment.
- Making small changes – Find the things that improve your health and add a small portion of it every single day.
- Rest – Your joints need rest to recover and adapt from vigorous physical activities.
Diagnostics
The physician or physical therapist can examine the range of motion in your joints and see for any deviation. Both passive and active range of motion uses for examination.
Summary
Having a good range of motion in joints is vital for body function. Limited range of motion can reduce the flexibility of muscles, compromise joint stability, and increases the risk of injuries such as arthritis.
Limited Range of Motion in The Shoulder
The shoulder joint offers a lot of mobility, but it comes with a cost. It is hard to maintain a good range of motion in every direction shoulder can move.
The most common restriction occurs in: flexion, abduction and external rotation.
Cause for a restricted range of motion in the shoulder:
- Rotator cuff muscle injury
- Muscle imbalance
- Poor posture
A muscle group called the rotator cuff can often produce shoulder pain and a limited range of motion. Their function is to stabilize the shoulder joint and move it through various movements such as rotation.
Injuring that muscle group will greatly reduce shoulder functionality. Movements such as external rotation and lifting your arms are first to lose.
Muscle imbalance happens when some muscles are overworking while others are inactive. Since there are a lot of muscles that are involved in moving the shoulder, chances for muscle imbalance are big.
Poor posture in the upper body can limit shoulder movements. Rounded shoulders are an example of poor posture and the inability to lift arms to the fullest.
Limited Range of Motion Knee
Restrictions in knee movement are often a result of an injury. Joint capsule with ligaments as passive stabilization of the joint is responsible for allowing the knee to move freely. However, with ligament and joint capsule injury, prolonged rest is required for complete recovery. The result is often limited mobility and muscle weakness in the knee area.
Limited knee flexion and full extension are some of the most common knee restrictions. It takes several weeks and a lot of effort to regain full mobility in the knee joint, depending on the type of injury. As a result, daily activities are delayed and more challenging in the initial phase of recovery.
Limited Range of Motion in The Hip
The hip joint is prone to all kinds of restrictions. Movements in the hip are depending on the type of physical activity, sedentary lifestyle, muscle imbalance, changed running pattern and so on.
People who run or cycle a lot are more prone to a certain loss of hip extension. As a result, the gluteal muscle group is weakened and lower back spine health is compromised.
A sedentary lifestyle has the same effect on hip mobility. In addition to the extension, the most common restriction occurs in rotating the hip, both externally and internally.
Limited Range of Motion in The Ankle
Poor ankle mobility is often a discrete deviation that’s hard to notice. The main cause for a restricted range of motion may include muscle restriction in the calf area, ankle joint stiffness, or frequent use of high heels.
The most restricted movement in the ankle joint is dorsiflexion which describes moving your feet up, toward the leg.
Losing the dorsiflexion may impact walking or squatting negatively.
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