Terms related to mobility and stretching.

Flexibility – is the ability to move a single joint or series of
joints smoothly and easily through an unrestricted pain free
ROM.

Dynamic flexibility – refers as mobility or ROM, is the degree
to which an active muscle contraction moves a body segment
through the available ROM of a joint.

Passive flexibility – refers as the degree to which a joint can
be passively moved through the available ROM of a joint.
– it refers to decreased mobility
or restricted motion. Its causes are :
1. Prolonged immobilization of a body
segment.
2. Sedentary life style.
3. Postural malalignment.
4. Impaired muscle performance.
 Hypomobility
– it is defined as adaptive shortening of
muscle tendon unit and other soft tissues that cross or
surround a joint that results in limitation of ROM.
 Contracture
 Alignment
- positioning limb or body such that the
stretch force is directed to the appropriate muscle
group.
 Stabilization – fixation of one site of attachment of the
muscle as stretch force is applied during a stretch
cycle.
 Intensity of stretch – magnitude of stretch force is
applied.
 Duration of stretch – length of time the stretch force is
applied during a stretch cycle.
of stretch – speed of initial application of the
stretch force.
 Speed
of stretch – number of stretching sessions
per day or per week.
 Frequency
of stretch – form or manner in which the stretch
force is applied.
 Mode
 Static
stretching.
 Cyclic or intermittent stretching.
 Ballistic stretching.
 PNF stretching.
 Manual stretching.
 Mechanical stretching.
 Self stretching.
 Passive stretching.
 Active stretching.
 Examination
and evaluation of the patient :
 Carefully review the patient’s history and perform a
thorough systems review.
 Select and perform appropriate tests and measurements.
Determine ROM available in involved and adjacent
joints.
 Determine if hypomobility is related to impairments .
 Evaluate the irritability of involved tissues and
determine their stage of healing.
 Assess
the underlying strength of muscles in which
there is limitation of motion.
 Be
sure to determine what outcome goals the patient is
seeking to achieve as a result of intervention program.
 Analyze
the impact of any factors that could adversely
affect the projected outcomes of stretching program.
 Do
not passively force a joint beyond its normal
ROM.
 Use extra caution in patients with known or suspected
osteoporosis due to disease, prolonged bed rest or
age.
 Protect newly united fractures .
 Avoid vigorous stretching of muscles and connective
tissues that have been immobilized for an extended
period of time.
 Progress
the dosage of stretching interventions to
minimize soft tissue trauma and postexercise muscle
soreness.
 Avoid
stretching edematous tissues, as it is more
susceptible to injury than normal tissue.
 Avoid
overstretching weak muscles, particularly those
that support body structures in relation to gravity.