Ashlyn's all about OT

When measuring range of motion (ROM), you use a goniometer. The goniometer has an axis, stationary arm, and moving arm. It is important to use bony landmarks to properly place the goniometer in the correct position for measuring ROM. Bony landmarks are also important when palpating in order to identify correct positioning or in certain cases to find possible limitations for ROM due to bone or muscle abnormalities. For example, when testing ROM of shoulder flexion, you would you the bony landmark of the acromion process to line up the axis of the goniometer, the stationary arm would need to be in line with the greater trochanter of the femur, and the moving arm would need to be in line with the lateral epicondyle of the humerus for proper testing position. It is important to be in the proper position for ROM testing to get the most accurate measurements. It can be easy to do compensatory movements when not in the proper test position. Referring to our example of testing shoulder flexion...