Massage Therapy Journal Spring 2025

36 • Massage Therapy Journal

AMTA Continuing Education

• Deviation: A movement of the temporomandibular joint to either the right or left direction. • Opposition: A movement of the thumb toward the tip of another finger on the same hand. For assessment purposes, there are three types of range of motion (ROM). 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. The second, called physiologic range of motion , is set by the nervous system and 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.” The final range of motion is called the pathologic range of motion . This occurs due to some sort of pathology or injury to the joint or the

tissues around the joint. This may cause the joint to be either hypermobile or hypomobile. 1. Hypermobility occurs when a range of motion of a joint is more than appropriate or normally expected. This may cause joint instability, increased risk in trauma to the joint or injury. It may also increase the possibility of injury to associated structures around the joints, such as muscles, tendons or ligaments. 2. Hypomobility occurs when the mobility of a joint is less than the usual expected range. This may be caused by bone or cartilage damage creating barriers, fibrotic tissue, ligament stiffness, musculature contractures, or injury/ trauma to associated structures. Ligaments and Bursa Ligaments are strong, dense bands of fibrous connective tissue that attach bone to bone in the body. They work to provide stability, support

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