Posted by Steve Middleton, MS, ATC, CSCS, CES, CKTP
Movement can be classified based on 3 different presentations:
Class I:
Full active and passive range of motion of joint in all planes
Displays appropriate muscle length/strength ratios
Indicates appropriate neuromuscular function
Class II:
Joint hypomobility – soft tissue restriction
Restricted active and passive range of motion in 1+ planes
Indicates shortening of the antagonist to the movement
Class III:
Joint hypomobility – neuromuscular restriction
Limited active range of motion but full passive motion
Indicates weakness of the agonist of the movement
Could be simply musculoskeletal but may involve neuromuscular component as well
Regardless of the “why” the patient will make compensatory movements to try to maintain the “normal” mobility.
Why is your patient not moving well?