Introduction

The various movements of the body's articulations and the associated terminology is used commonly in orthopedic medicine and areas of physical medicine such as physical and occupational therapy

Flexion

Decreasing the angle of a joint

Spine, Shoulder, Elbow, Wrist, Hip, Knee, Fingers/Toes

Extension

Increasing the angle of a joint

Spine, Shoulder, Elbow, Wrist, Hip, Knee, Fingers/Toes

Abduction

Bringing a limb (arm/leg) away from the midline

Shoulder, Hip, Fingers/Toes

Adduction

Bringing a limb (arm/leg) toward the midline

Shoulder, Hip, Fingers/Toes

Supination

An elbow/wrist movement characterized by rotating the hand so the palm is facing up

Elbow/Wrist

Pronation

An elbow/wrist movement characterized by rotating the hand so the palm is facing down

Elbow/Wrist

Dorsiflexion

An ankle movement characterized by planting the heel and bringing the toes up

Ankle

Plantar Flexion

An ankle movement characterized by planting the toes and bring the heel up

Ankle

Inversion

An ankle movement characterized by the sole of the foot being turned medially (most common ankle sprain)

Eversion

An ankle movement characterized by the sole of the foot being turned laterally

Circumduction

A circular, rotational movement characterized by rotating a given joint 360 degrees

Shoulder, Hip

External/Internal Rotation of Shoulder/Hip

Sometimes called Lateral/Medial Rotation

Ball/Socket joints of Shoulder and are rotated internally and externally along their axis pivot point