Questions and Answers
What is a normal end-feel?
The type of resistance felt when passively moving a joint through the end range of motion, which can be firm, hard, or soft.
Which of the following is an example of a firm end-feel? (Select all that apply)
What does a hard end-feel indicate?
What type of end-feel is described as soft tissue approximation?
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What is an abnormal end-feel?
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Which of the following is an example of an empty end-feel? (Select all that apply)
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What is indicated by a firm end-feel classified as abnormal?
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What does a hard end-feel classified as abnormal suggest?
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What does a soft end-feel classified as abnormal indicate?
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What does muscle spasm indicate in terms of end-feel?
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What is indicated by guarding as an abnormal quality?
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What does a loose end-feel signify?
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What does capsular abnormal quality indicate?
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Study Notes
Normal End-Feel
- End-feel refers to the resistance felt during passive joint movement at the end range of motion.
- Consistent types of end-feel include firm, hard, or soft.
- Abnormal end-feels indicate potential pathology within the joint.
Types of Normal End-Feel
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Firm End-Feel: Characterized by stretching of soft tissues, typically observed in:
- Ankle dorsiflexion
- Finger extension
- Hip medial (internal) rotation
- Forearm supination
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Hard End-Feel: Occurs when bone meets bone, primarily noted in:
- Elbow extension
-
Soft End-Feel: Resulting from soft tissue approximation, seen in:
- Elbow flexion
- Knee flexion
Abnormal End-Feel
- Abnormal end-feel occurs when resistance is felt at an unusual point in the range of motion or differs from the expected normal end-feel.
Types of Abnormal End-Feel
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Empty End-Feel: No end-feel achieved, often due to pain; associated conditions include:
- Joint inflammation
- Fracture
- Bursitis
- Firm End-Feel (Abnormal): Caused by increased muscle tone, joint capsule tightening, or ligament shortening.
- Hard End-Feel (Abnormal): Indicates possible fractures, osteoarthritis, or osteophyte formation.
- Soft End-Feel (Abnormal): Linked to conditions like edema, synovitis, or ligament instability/tears.
Abnormal Quality of End-Feel
- Muscle Spasm: Characterized by a rebound effect; movement abruptly halts due to pain.
- Adhesions/Scar Tissue: Results in a sudden sharp resistance during one-direction movement.
- Boggy/Spring Block/Internal Derangement: Full motion impeded by a soft or springy sensation; may include pain, typically related to meniscus issues.
- Empty End-Feel: No resistance to motion is encountered.
- Guarding: Significant pain restricts motion without resulting muscle spasm; lacks mechanical block.
- Loose: Indicates joint ligament laxity and hypermobility; requires side-by-side comparison for assessment.
- Capsular: Normal tissue stretching occurs, but resistance is felt before reaching the normal range of motion.
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Description
Explore different types of end-feels in joint movement through these informative flashcards. Understand the normal and abnormal end-feels that can indicate joint pathology. Ideal for students of physical therapy and related fields.
