What is range-of-motion (ROM)?
“Range-of-motion” (ROM) is the term used when referring to a joint’s movement capability. Joint ROM is measured in degrees from a movement starting point to its ending point. Each of the body’s joints has a set of measured “normal values”. These normal values are used to evaluate our joints. Some joints articulate (glide) along a single plane while others articulate in multiple planes. For example; a finger knuckle (hinged joint) articulates in a single plane that only bends back and forth. Conversely, a hip joint (ball and socket) can move in multiple directions including forward, backward, in and out to the side, and rotation. Can you move your joints completely and freely? • Are your joint motions limited and painful? For example; a normal shoulder joint ROM includes moving the arm forward, backward, out to the side, inward, and rotation. Damage to a shoulder muscles or shoulder joint can limit the ability to raise the arm over the head which means limited range-of-motion. Does the
