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Definition Return to top
Limited range of motion is a reduction in the normal distance and direction through which a joint can move.Considerations Return to top
Range of motion is the natural distance and direction of movement of a joint. Limited range of motion is a relative term indicating that a specific joint or body part cannot move through its normal and full range of motion.Common Causes Return to top
Home Care Return to top
Your health care provider may recommend range of motion exercises, designed to increase muscle strength and flexibility. Continue these exercises at home.Call your health care provider if Return to top
Visit your health care provider if a joint does not move fully and easily in its normal manner. If a joint develops (new) changes in its ability to move, the affected part should be examined to determine the cause.
What to expect at your health care provider's office Return to top
The health care provider will perform a physical examination and will obtain your medical history.
Medical history questions documenting limited range of motion in detail may include the following:
Note: Limited range of motion may be discovered by the health care provider during an examination for other conditions, and the affected person may or may not have been aware of its presence.
The muscular system, nervous system, and skeleton may be examined in detail. Depending on the cause, diagnostic tests may be necessary, including the following:
Physical therapy may be recommended.
Update Date: 2/12/2003 Updated by: Andrew L. Chen, M.D., M.S., Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hospital for Joint Diseases, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |