Preventing and Treating Stiffness Flashcards
cycle of nonuse
edema - immobilization - joint stiffness/tissue adherence
evaluation of stiffness (10)
- Why is the stiffness occurring?
- Is it due to trauma?
- Is it due to systemic conditions (RA or scleroderma)?
- Is it CNS?
- Is is a peripheral nerve issue?
- Is it a neuromuscular junction problem (myasthenia gravis)?
- Observe the movement
- Are there signs of triggering?
- Inspect scars
- ROM
PIP stiffness (3)
- extrinsic finger extensor tightness
- intrinsic finger tightness
- capsule tightness
DIP stiffness (2)
- ORL tightness
2. capsule tightness
extrinsic finger extensor tightness (PIP)
MP flexion lessens available passive PIP flexion
intrinsic finger tightness (PIP)
MP extension lessens passive PIP flexion
capsule tightness (PIP/DIP)
position of other joints doesn’t influence tightness
ORL tightness (DIP)
oblique retinacular ligament
PIP extension limits passive DIP flexion
wrist stiffness (4)
- extrinsic finger flexor tightness
- extrinsic finger extensor tightness
- capsular tightness
- muscular tightness
extrinsic finger flexor tightness (wrist)
passive wrist extension that is not impaired with finger flexion, but is impaired when adding finger extension
extrinsic finger extensor tightness (wrist)
passive wrist flexion that is not impaired with fingers in extension but is impaired when adding finger flexion
capsule tightness (wrist)
passive wrist movement that is impaired but not impacted by the posture of the digits
muscular and capsular tightness (wrist)
passive wrist flexion less than the unaffected side regardless of finger or elbow posturing and further impaired by finger or elbow posturing in extension or flexion
differential gliding
???
alternative reasons for stiffness (2)
- edema
2. neurological tone (spasticity/flaccidity)
soft tissue mechanics
the therapist’s ability to stretch or prevent tightness relies heavily upon the relationship between stress and strain
stress
the amount of force per unit area (pressure) applied to soft tissue
strain
a result of stress and is expressed mathematically as the change in length of soft tissue/original length x 100
TERT
“total end range time”
the amount of time a contracted joint is placed at its maximal length
*longer TERT = better result