Massage Therapy Journal Spring 2024

30 • Massage Therapy Journal

Joint Movement Terminology Common terminology to help you better understand joint movement. Joint Movement Movement Joint Makes Flexion

A movement that decreases the angle of a joint A movement that increases the angle of a joint

Extension Abduction Adduction

A movement that pulls a body part away from the midline of the body A movement that pulls a body part toward the midline of the body A movement that rotates a body part toward the midline A movement that rotates a body part away from the midline

Medial (internal) rotation Lateral (external) rotation

Elevation

A movement of a body part in a superior direction A movement of a body part in an inferior direction

Depression Protraction Retraction

A movement of a body part anteriorly A movement of a body part posteriorly

A movement of the scapulothoracic joint complex where the acromion process of the scapula moves superiorly A movement of the scapulothoracic joint complex where the acromion process of the scapula moves inferiorly A movement that rotates the forearm, so the palm is facing posterior A movement that rotates the forearm, so the palm is facing anterior

Upward rotation of the scapula

Downward rotation of the scapula

Pronation Supination Dorsiflexion Plantarflexion

A movement of the ankle so the foot moves superiorly A movement of the ankle so the foot moves inferiorly

Eversion Inversion

A movement of the foot so the lateral side of the foot moves superiorly A movement of the foot so the medial side of the foot moves superiorly

Lateral flexion

A movement of the spine away from the midline

Deviation Opposition

A movement of the temporomandibular joint to either the right or left direction A movement of the thumb toward the tip of another finger on the same hand

3. The transverse plane divides the body into superior and inferior. This is a horizontal plane through the center of the body, dividing the top and bottom halves of the body, and is parallel to the ground. Most rotational movements happen in this plane. It is quite common for complex joint movements to occur in multiple planes. The Role of Range of Motion in Assessment For assessment purposes, there are three types of ranges of motion (ROM): 1. The first type of range of motion is called

anatomical range of motion. This is where the anatomy prevents an excessive range of motion. The joint shape, ligaments and soft tissues around the joint create this anatomical range of motion. will prevent the joint from moving to a point where the tissues surrounding the joint will be damaged. This range is what is considered “normal.” 3. The final range of motion is called the pathologic range of motion . This occurs due 2. The second, called physiologic range of motion , is set by the nervous system and

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