Contractures of the knee joint connective tissue have been traditionally
differentiated from hamstring muscle tightness (shortening) by comparing
knee range of motion during extension of the hip combined with extension
of the knee and flexion of the hip combined with knee extension. I
haven't seen the inter-rater reliability for joint play assessment at
the knee joint, but I like to do a least 2 positions of knee flexion.
Shortening of the hamstring should also be differentiated by conscious
or unconscious contraction of the hamstrings during the testing process.
An EMG biofeedback machine works for testing as well as treatment.
In the OA knee, identification of bony blocks by osteophytes and
meniscal tears causing limited motion would be advantageous. The
end-feel and response to treatment can help.
Good luck
Murray
Murray E. Maitland PhD PT
University of South Florida
School of Physical Therapy
12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd
MDC 077
Tampa, Florida, USA
33612-4766
Telephone (813) 974-1666
Fax (813) 974-8915
Email [log in to unmask]
-----Original Message-----
From: - for physiotherapists in education and practice
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of fadhel abdul gaffoor
Sent: Monday, September 20, 2004 7:27 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: contracture and tightness
hello members
Can anybody say how to differentiate between
contractures and tightness of a muscle manually
especially for hamstrings in OA Knee.
Thanks in advance.
fadhel
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