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Physiotherapy vocabulary · Movement and Range of Motion

Range of motion

Meaning in physiotherapy, with examples

/ˌreɪndʒ əv ˈmoʊʃən/nounCore term

In physiotherapy, range of motion means: How far a joint can move in each direction, usually measured in degrees from a starting position.

In Turkish: eklem hareket açıklığı, EHA, hareket açıklığı

How it is used

One of the most common phrases in notes and handovers, often written ROM. Range of motion can be full, limited, reduced, painful or restored. Physiotherapists measure it with a goniometer and talk about active and passive range. Exercises that keep a joint moving are called range of motion exercises.

Example sentences

  1. Her knee range of motion has improved from 0–90 to 0–120 degrees.

  2. Shoulder range of motion is limited in flexion and external rotation.

Common collocations

  • full range of motion
  • limited range of motion
  • measure range of motion
  • range of motion exercises
  • regain range of motion
  • active range of motionHow far a joint can move when the patient moves it with their own muscles, without any help.
  • passive range of motionHow far a joint can move when someone else, usually the physiotherapist, moves it while the patient's muscles stay relaxed.
  • goniometerA measuring tool with two arms joined at a hinge, used to measure the angle of a joint in degrees.
  • flexionA bending movement that makes the angle between two parts of the body smaller, such as bending the elbow or the knee.
  • stiffnessA feeling that a joint or muscle is tight and hard to move, often worse after rest or first thing in the morning.

More terms: Movement and Range of Motion

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not medical advice.