Definition

• Joint range of motion is defined as the amount of flexibility allowed by a joint and is measured in degrees of an angle from the starting point to the end point of possible movement. Range of motion is usually measured with a goniometer, which is a tool that can be held up next to the joint and aligned with the bones to precisely measure the angles of flexion and extension.
  
  

Shoulder

• The shoulder joint is a complicated one to measure because it allows for movement in so many different directions. The normal range of motion includes moving the arm horizontally in front of you (horizontal flexion) to 130 degrees and behind you (horizontal extension) to 30 to 45 degrees. The arm should also move up in front of the body (vertical flexion) to 180 degrees, up behind the body/to the back (vertical extension) to 45 to 60 degrees, and up from the side of the body to 180 degrees.
  
  

Elbow

• The elbow joint should be able to extend (straightening the lower arm out) to 180 degrees and flex (bring the lower arm up towards the bicep) to at least 145 degrees. In addition, the elbow joint should allow for pronation (turning the arm so the palm faces up) to 90 degrees and supination (turning the arm so the palm faces down) to 90 degrees.
  
  

Spine

• The normal range of motion for the lumbar region of the spine is considered to be flexion forward at the waist to 75 degrees, extension backwards at the waist to 30 degrees, and the ability to bend at least 35 degrees to either side.
  
  

Hips

• The hip joint should allow for the upper leg to flex upwards (bringing the thigh closer to the abdomen) to 110 to 130 degrees and extend backwards behind the body to 30 degrees. Normal hip range also allows for abduction (moving the leg out away from the body, to the side) to 45 degrees and adduction (moving the leg inwards and across the other leg) to 20 to 40 degrees.
  
  

Knee

• The knee joint is considered fully extended (at zero degrees) when the leg is completely straight. It should also be able to flex (bringing the calf back to touch the hamstring) to 120 to 140 degrees.
  
  

Ankle

• A healthy ankle should be able to flex the foot upwards towards the body (dorsiflexion) to about 20 degrees and downwards to a pointing position (plantar flexion) to 45 to 50 degrees.