Clinical desc. of Joint motion

Flexion(decreasing angle)

knee, elbow, wrist, fingers/toes, GH, hip, lumbar and cervical spine only(not thoracic bc rib cage restricts)

Lateral flexion(bending side to side)

cervical and lumbar spine only (not thoractic)

Extension(increasing angle)

same joints as flexion: knee, elbow, wrist, fingers/toes, GH, hip, lumbar and cervical spine only

note: hyperextension is not normal and may be pathological (ex: beyond joint limits, sprains, strains)

Abduction

moving appendage away from trunk- shoulder(GH), hip

Adduction

moving towards the trunk-shoulder(GH), hip

Rotation

turning/twisting on the vertical axis- cervical and lumbar spine

Circumduction

circular motion- shoulder(GH)

Supination

rotating palm forwards/upwards if elbow flexed- hand and forearm together

Pronation

rotating palm backwards or downwards if elbow is flexed -hand and forearm together

Plantar Flexion

pointing toes downwards/ raising up on toes if standing- ankle

Dorsi Flexion

pointing toes upward or standing on heels- ankle

Inversion

turning sole inward- ankle

Eversion

turning sole outward- ankle