What Happens When You Lose Your Range of Motion

The motions of your joints play an essential role in your daily life. Also known as your joints’ range of motion, these factors can determine the activities you can engage in and your comfort. Limited range of motion can influence everything from your moods to your risk of injuries. 

Our expert team of physical therapists at Arundel Medical Group, Inc. in Glen Burnie, Maryland, provides physical therapy to help increase or restore your range of motion. 

Read on to learn more about range of motion, including what happens when you lose it. 

Range of motion basics

A normal range of motion means you can move your joints in areas like your knees, elbows, and shoulders without a struggle. You can reach for dishes on a higher shelf and bend down to pick up a child or pet with ease. You can also walk or play your favorite sport without your joints stopping you. 

Each area of your body has an ideal range of motion determined by medical experts. For instance, research shows that a healthy knee should be able to bend or flex to a range of 133-153 degrees.

Lost range of motion causes

Many issues can reduce your range of motion, either temporarily or long-term. Medical conditions and injuries linked with a limited range of motion include:

• Cerebral palsy
• Fractures
• Herniated discs
• Joint dislocation
• Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
• Sepsis of your joints
• Sciatica and spinal compression
• Sprains and strains
• Syphilis
• Arthritis

This is just a shortlist. Many other conditions can cause a loss in the range of motions of your joints as well.

What happens when you lose your range of motion

Once you have a condition or injury that limits your range of motion, our experts can help you get the care you need.

After a comprehensive exam, including a review of your medical history and symptoms, we can diagnose your condition and recommend a customized treatment plan.

In addition to addressing any underlying condition, many people with a limited range of motion benefit from physical therapy. Each session takes 30-60 minutes in our office and may involve numerous techniques, such as:

• Cardiovascular exercise
• Heat or ice therapy
• Interferential electrical stimulation
• Massage therapy
• Soft tissue manipulation
• Strength training
• Therapeutic ultrasound

In addition to improving your range of motion, physical therapy can reduce inflammation and pain, increase your flexibility, and correct any posture imbalances. And because you’ll be working with our team, you can rest easy knowing that your comfort and safety will be protected.

To learn more about a lost range of motion or get the care you need, call our office or request an appointment via this website.