What type of movement is described as bending a joint?

The movement described as bending a joint is known as flexion. This term specifically refers to the action of decreasing the angle between two body parts, typically involving the joints. For example, when you bend your elbow or knee, you are performing flexion.

This kind of movement is crucial in many daily activities, as it allows for a range of motions that involve bringing limbs closer to the body or moving certain parts in closer proximity. Flexion occurs in various joints throughout the body, including the arms, legs, fingers, and even the spine. Understanding this fundamental movement is essential for physical therapy technicians, as they often assist patients in regaining movement and strength through exercises that involve flexion and extension.

In contrast, extension refers to straightening a joint, abduction involves moving a limb away from the midline of the body, and rotation describes the movement of a body part around its own axis. Each of these terms describes different types of movement that are important to recognize in the context of physical therapy and rehabilitation.