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Passive movements are movements performed on a person’s body without active involvement or muscle contraction. Another person, such as a healthcare provider or therapist, or through mechanical devices typically carries out these movements

• Examples of passive movements include:
• · Passive range of motion exercises involve moving a joint through its full range of motion without the involvement of the individual’s muscles.
• · Passive stretching involves holding a stretch in a particular position for a time to increase flexibility and range of motion.
• · Passive mobilization involves gently moving a joint in different directions to improve joint mobility and reduce stiffness.
• Overall, passive movements can be a valuable tool in rehabilitation, assessment, and pain management, and are typically performed by a trained healthcare provider or therapist.

Read More: Read more about The Mechanics Of Human Movement

Benefits of Passive Movements

Passive movements can be used for several purposes, including:

Rehabilitation: Passive movements can help maintain joint mobility and prevent muscle stiffness in individuals who cannot move their limbs due to injury or illness.

Assessment: Passive movements can be used to assess the range of motion and flexibility of a joint, which can be helpful in diagnosing certain medical conditions or monitoring the progress of a rehabilitation program.

Pain relief: Passive movements can help relieve pain and discomfort in individuals experiencing muscle tension or spasm.

Relaxed Passive Movements

Relaxed passive movements and passive manual mobilizations are two passive movements commonly used in rehabilitation and manual therapy.
Relaxed passive movements involve the therapist or healthcare provider moving the person’s limb or joint through its range of motion while the individual remains completely flexible. Relaxed passive activities increase joint mobility, reduce muscle stiffness, and improve flexibility. This technique is often used for individuals with limited mobility due to injury or illness.

Passive Manual Mobilizations

Passive manual or joint mobilizations involve the therapist or healthcare provider applying manual pressure to a joint in a specific direction to improve joint mobility and reduce pain. This technique is typically used for individuals with joint dysfunction, such as stiffness or limited range of motion.

Both relaxed passive movements and passive manual mobilizations can be used with other rehabilitation techniques, such as active exercises and stretching, to help improve mobility, reduce pain, and restore function. These techniques should only be performed by trained healthcare professionals, as the improper application can cause injury or worsen existing conditions.

Joint Mobilizations

Joint mobilization, or joint manipulation, is a manual therapy technique used by healthcare providers and physical therapists to improve joint function and mobility. This technique involves applying a controlled force or pressure to a joint, typically using the therapist’s hands, to move the joint in specific directions.
Joint mobilization addresses joint pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion caused by injury, inflammation, or degenerative conditions such as arthritis. Joint mobilization aims to improve mobility, reduce pain, and restore standard movement patterns.

Several techniques are used in joint mobilization, including oscillatory, sustained, and manipulative practices. Oscillatory methods involve the therapist applying a rhythmic movement to the joint, while supported techniques involve holding the joint in a specific position for some time. Manipulative techniques involve a more forceful thrust or impulse to the joint to produce a rapid, high-velocity movement.
A trained healthcare provider or physical therapist should only perform joint mobilization. Improper application of these techniques can cause injury or worsen existing conditions. Joint mobilization may also be contraindicated in some instances, such as in individuals with fractures or severe osteoporosis.

Joint Manipulations

Joint manipulation, also known as the high-velocity low-amplitude (HVLA) thrust technique, is a manual therapy technique used by healthcare providers and physical therapists to improve joint function and mobility. This technique involves a quick, forceful movement of a joint beyond its normal range of motion.
Joint manipulation addresses joint pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion caused by injury, inflammation, or degenerative conditions such as arthritis. Joint manipulation aims to improve mobility, reduce pain, and restore standard movement patterns.

During joint manipulation, the therapist will position the joint in a specific way and then apply a quick, controlled force to the joint in a particular direction. The force is delivered quickly and precisely to produce a rapid movement of the joint beyond its normal range of motion.
A trained healthcare provider or physical therapist should only perform joint manipulation. Improper application of these techniques can cause injury or worsen existing conditions. Joint manipulation may also be contraindicated in some instances, such as in individuals with fractures or severe osteoporosis. It is essential to discuss with your healthcare provider whether joint manipulation is an appropriate treatment option for your specific condition.

Control Sustained Stretching of Tightened Structures

Controlled sustained stretching is a manual therapy technique used to improve the flexibility and mobility of compressed structures in the body, such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments. This technique involves stretching the affected structure to its end range of motion and then holding the stretch for some time, typically 30 seconds to 2 minutes.
The goal of controlled, sustained stretching is to improve flexibility and mobility in the affected structure, which can help reduce pain, improve movement patterns, and prevent future injuries. This technique can be used to address a variety of conditions, such as muscle strains, joint stiffness, and postural imbalances.

A trained healthcare provider or physical therapist should perform controlled sustained stretching. It is essential to properly warm up the affected structure before serving the stretch, as stretching cold muscles can increase the risk of injury. Additionally, the stretch should be controlled and gentle without forcing the structure beyond its normal range of motion. Overstretching can cause damage and worsen existing conditions.
Overall, controlled, sustained stretching is a safe and effective technique that can be part of a comprehensive rehabilitation program to improve flexibility and mobility in the body.

Accessory Movements

Accessory movements are small, subtle movements that occur within joints but not as part of the joint’s primary motion. These movements are also known as joint play, and they are essential for maintaining the health and function of joints.
There are three types of accessory movements: