limited range of motion

USAGE SUMMARY

'limited range of motion' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a restriction in the movement of a joint or part of the body. For example, "The patient had limited range of motion in their shoulder."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He may have this limitation because of an impairment (e.g., limited range of motion) created by a condition (e.g., osteoarthritis).

BMC Health Services Research

Physiotherapy is mainly indicated in the presence of a limited range of motion or other functional limitations.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

In spastic cerebral palsy (SCP), a limited range of motion of the foot (ROM), limits gait and other activities.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

A limited range of motion of the foot (ROM), resulting in abnormal gait and limitation of activities, is a common problem for such children [ 4, 5].

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Such symptoms include hip pain, a grinding sensation or limited range of motion.

The New York Times

Her ankle was sore and had a limited range of motion but wasn't red or swollen.

The New York Times - Magazine

Traditional handheld laparoscopic tools give surgeons a limited range of motion though.

MIT Technology Review

Limited range of motion was most frequent at the wrists or fingers.

Stanford University

Beckum was unable to play last week because he had a limited range of motion.

The New York Times - Sports

This feature was said to be helpful for drivers with limited range of motion.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

You want a limited range-of-motion in your ankle.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a patient's condition, be specific about the joint or body part affected by the "limited range of motion". For example, specify "limited range of motion in the shoulder" rather than just "limited range of motion".

Common error

Avoid attributing "limited range of motion" solely to aging or lack of exercise. While these can be contributing factors, underlying medical conditions like arthritis, injuries, or neurological disorders may be the primary cause and should be investigated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "limited range of motion" functions primarily as a descriptive term in medical and health-related contexts. As noted by Ludwig, it is a correct and usable phrase to indicate a restriction in movement. It is commonly used to describe a symptom or condition affecting joints and muscles, restricting their normal movement capabilities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

51%

News & Media

33%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "limited range of motion" is a widely recognized and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a restriction in the movement of a joint or body part. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage across various fields, particularly in science, medicine, and news media. The phrase serves to communicate a clear and concise description of a physical impairment. When using this phrase, it's important to be specific about the affected area and to avoid overgeneralizing the cause. Related phrases like "restricted movement" or "reduced mobility" can be used as alternatives depending on the specific context. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is a common way to report a limited capacity for a body part to achieve its typical movements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

restricted joint mobility

More specific, highlighting that the issue is about how the joint can move.

restricted movement

Focuses on the restriction itself, rather than the specific measurement of motion.

reduced mobility

Emphasizes the overall ability to move, rather than the extent of motion at a joint.

movement limitation

Reorders the words, changing the emphasis slightly to the limitation itself.

impaired movement

Highlights the negative impact on the quality or effectiveness of movement.

constrained movement

Emphasizes that the movement is forced or held back, adding a nuance of external influence or impediment.

decreased flexibility

Focuses on the suppleness and elasticity of the affected area.

stiff joint

Describes the sensation and feeling associated with limited movement in a joint.

inflexible joint

Directly opposes the idea of flexibility, underlining the rigidity and the incapability to bend easily.

narrowed scope of movement

Uses 'scope' to describe the extent, a more formal or technical way to express limitation.

FAQs

What does "limited range of motion" mean?

The phrase "limited range of motion" refers to a restriction in the normal movement capabilities of a joint or body part. It indicates that the full extent of movement is not possible due to various factors such as injury, stiffness, or underlying medical conditions.

What are common causes of "limited range of motion"?

Common causes include arthritis, injuries (such as sprains or fractures), muscle strains, tendonitis, bursitis, and neurological conditions. /s/osteoarthritis and /s/spastic+cerebral+palsy are conditions related to this.

How is "limited range of motion" diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination by a healthcare professional, where they assess the affected joint or body part for swelling, tenderness, and the extent of movement possible. Imaging tests, such as X-rays or MRI scans, may be used to identify underlying structural issues.

What are some treatments for "limited range of motion"?

Treatment options vary depending on the underlying cause and may include physical therapy, exercises to improve flexibility and strength, pain management medications, injections, or, in some cases, surgery. Addressing the root cause, such as treating arthritis or repairing an injury, is also crucial.