Execution
- 1Position the patient supine and stabilize the pelvis to limit lumbar or pelvic substitution.
- 2Passively assess hip flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, internal rotation, and external rotation.
- 3Compare each movement with the opposite side and with expected ranges.
- 4Note pain, end feel, capsular pattern, noncapsular restriction, muscle guarding, and whether symptoms are familiar.
- 5Differentiate hip joint limitation from lumbar, pelvic, or soft-tissue limitation by changing patient position when needed.
Positive outcome
Abnormal findings: painful, restricted, asymmetrical, or abnormal end feel.
Expected end-feels- Capsular pattern: flexion, abduction, and internal rotation most limited
- Noncapsular pattern: suggests muscle tightness, impingement, labral pathology, loose body, or extra-articular restriction
Hip motion is closely linked with pelvic and lumbar movement, so pelvic stabilization matters. PROM is low value as a diagnostic test by itself but high value for impairment profiling.
CommentPROM provides end-feel and pattern information that AROM cannot. Magee emphasizes that hip motion is closely linked with pelvic and lumbar movement, so stabilization matters. PROM is low value as a diagnostic test by itself but high value for impairment profiling.
Low Clinical Value