Range of motion is the degree of movement a joint has when it is extended, flexed, and rotated through all of its possible movements. A joint becomes stressed or overextended if it is moved past its natural range.

A person may increase a joint's range of motion through regular, gentle stretching exercises as directed by a health professional. Often these exercises are recommended after an injury or surgery to help prevent joint stiffness.

By	Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Nancy Greenwald, MD - Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Last Revised	February 16, 2011