gen-define-flexibility-and-range-of-motion-and-give-one-short-wo-49e5

Define flexibility and range of motion and give one short worked example.

# Flexibility and Range of Motion ## Definitions **Flexibility** is the ability of a muscle or muscle group to lengthen passively through a range of motion. **Range of Motion (ROM)** is the measurement of movement around a specific joint or body part, typically measured in degrees. *Key distinction:* Flexibility refers to the muscle's capacity to stretch, while ROM refers to the actual movement possible at a joint. ## Worked Example **Scenario:** A physical therapist assesses a patient's hamstring flexibility and knee ROM. **Assessment:** - The patient lies supine (on their back) - The therapist performs a straight leg raise test - The leg is raised with the knee fully extended **Results:** - The patient's leg reaches 70° before feeling tightness in the hamstring - Normal hamstring flexibility typically allows 80-90° **Analysis:** - **ROM at the hip joint:** 70° of hip flexion (with knee extended) - **Flexibility:** Limited hamstring flexibility is restricting the ROM - **Conclusion:** The patient has reduced hamstring flexibility, which is limiting their hip joint range of motion **Intervention:** Hamstring stretching exercises prescribed to improve muscle flexibility, which should subsequently increase hip ROM.