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TERMINOLOGY OF JOINT MOVEMENT

Nuria Manrique Morá

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A joint is a part of your body (such as your elbow or your knee) where two bones meet and are able to move together.

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Joint movementsFlexionExtensionLateral flexionAbductionAdductionCircumductionHyperextension

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FLEXION

The movement in which two body parts with common articulation bend toward each other.

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Truck flexion

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Elbow flexion

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Shoulder flexion

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Hip flexion

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Ankle flexion

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Knee flexion

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EXTENSION

The movement in which two body parts with common articulation extend away from each other

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Trunk extension

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Elbow extension

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Shoulder extension

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Hip extension

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Knee extension

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Ankle extension

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LATERAL FLEXIONThe lateral movements of the torso and head

in the frontal plane.

Lateral neck flexion Lateral trunk flexion

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ABDUCTION (separation)The lateral movements of the body part away

from the vertical axis of the torso.

Shoulder abduction Hip abduction

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ADDUCTION (approximation)The lateral movement that pulls a body part

toward the vertical axis of the torso.

Shoulder adduction Hip adduction

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CIRCUMDUCTIONThe movement in which the distal end of a

limb describes a circle or arc while the proximal end remains stationary; a combination of flexion, extension, abduction and adduction.

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HYPEREXTENSION

The extension of a joint beyond its normal range of motion.