Activities

Geometry and Physical Therapy Activity One of the jobs of a physical therapist is to restore the flexibility of joints and muscles. The amount of flexibility a person has is measured according to the number of degrees that he or she can extend or flex a joint. A fairly wide range of motion in the upper extremity is desired, and lack of it may prevent a patient from performing daily living activities such as feeding. Here is a description of two conditions that can be measured for: Flexion - involves the bending or turning of the limbs. This is often limited by muscle mass, but the patient should bend his/her joint as far as possible. For example, when measuring elbow flexion, ask the patient to try to touch the front of his shoulder with his/her hand. Extension - involves extending the limb and is limited by joint rotation. The patient should bend his/her joint as far as possible. For example, when measuring the elbow extension, ask the patient to straighten his elbow as far as he can. For people with no injuries, there is a “norm” for each extension and flexion of the joints and muscles. Your task today will be to figure out the norm for the flexion and extension of each of the following: the wrist the elbow, and the shoulder.   Manipulative Activity How to Measure Flexion and Extension Geometry and Physical Therapy Activity Norms for Wrist, Elbow, Shoulder and Trunk Flexion and Extension Geometry in Physical Therapy Questions