Normal and Abnormal End Feels

Normal Bone to Bone End Feel

Hard, unyielding sensation produced when bone meets bone, normally found in elbow extension

Normal Soft Tissue Approximation End Feel

Soft, compression, found in knee flexion

Normal Tissue Stretch End Feel

Firm, springy resistance with slight give produced by capsule/ligamentous tension, normally found in ankle dorsiflexion, shoulder lateral rotation, and finger extension

Abnormal Early Muscle Spasm End Feel

Sudden, involuntary resistance occurring early in the range of motion, caused by protective spasm following acute injury

Abnormal Late Muscle Spasm End Feel

Involuntary muscle contraction occurring near the end of range, caused by joint instability or pain

Abnormal "Mushy" Tissue Stretch End Feel

Soft, boggy resistance occurring prematurely in the range, characteristic of a tight muscle

Abnormal Spasticity End Feel

Rapid increase in muscle tone/resistance that yields suddenly

Abnormal Soft Capsular End Feel

Soft, boggy, or spongy resistance early in the range, characteristic of synovitis or soft tissue edema

Abnormal Bone to Bone End Feel

Hard, unyielding sensation occurring before full normal range of motion, characteristic of osteophyte formation

Abnormal Empty End Feel

Lack of structural end feel due to severe pain stopping movement before tissue resistance is reached, characteristic of acute subacromial bursitis

Abnormal Springy Block End Feel

Rebound sensation felt at the end of range due to intra-articular issue like meniscus tear

Abnormal Hard Capsular End Feel

A hard, abrupt, and solid barrier—similar to bone hitting bone—rather than the normal elastic or leathery stretch of a healthy joint capsule; characteristic of frozen shoulder