FROM MY PT SCHOOL NOTES · MODALITIES · UNIT 1 · CHAPTER 05
What Does Restricted Movement Actually Tell You?
An end-feel or limited joint glide is one observation within a broader examination.
At a glance
ACTIVE
What movement can they produce?
PASSIVE
What range is available?
FUNCTION
Which task is affected?
What matters most
- Compare active and passive motion, symptoms, strength, movement quality and relevant neurologic findings.
- Possible limits include capsule, muscle-tendon tissue, skin, edema, bone, neural structures, pain and motor control.
- Capsular patterns, end-feel categories and convex–concave rules are teaching models, not stand-alone diagnoses.
Safety and limits
Screen for instability, fracture, acute inflammatory disease, neurovascular compromise, postoperative restrictions and other risks before forceful mobilization.
Think it through
Scenario: A patient has limited shoulder elevation. Should a specific glide be chosen from the convex–concave rule alone?
Reveal the reasoning
No. Integrate movement, pain, strength, mobility, tissue protection and patient goals, then reassess a meaningful target task.
From my original class materials: 6 Motion Restriction .pdf. Summarized and reframed for learning; not an official course or clinical protocol. Compare with current device instructions, scope, and evidence before application.
