How to Measure Knee Range of Motion

What is range of motion and why is it important to measure it

Range of motion is the measure of movement one has in a certain joint movement. There are 3 crucial areas it is useful to measure across.

The assessment for practitioners/ The reference point for the patient.

It is vital to put a stake in the ground and to ascertain what the current range of motion is in each joint. This will be used as a reference point to track back and see how things have changed.

The diagnosis

It can help to discern what the diagnosis is that you have, for example poor internal rotation of the shoulder can lead us to thinking rotator cuff related injury, or impingement of the shoulder. 

The rehabilitation process

It is a crucial part of the ongoing assessment on yourself, or by the health practitioner. For example, in knee replacement surgery, there is a strong focus on achieving more than 125 degrees of flexion and 0 degrees of extension. The reason for this is that certain tasks require a certain range of motion in the joints in order for you to be able to complete them. Some examples include, squatting and sitting cross-legged needs 115° (or greater), and if you want to cover most of the activities, you want to aim for 125°+.

Without being able to reach zer0 knee extension (straight leg), somebody would struggle to walk on the flat, even more difficult to walk uphill and running on a bent knee requires more effort, and with that can increase the likelihood of injury to the leg. This is why measuring range of motion, especially in the knee, is of utmost importance.

How to measure knee flexion range of motion using CheckMyROM

Assessing your range of motion of knee flexion is super easy using CheckMyROM. It takes about 60 seconds from start to finish.

• Step 1: Go to https://checkmyrom.com
• Step 2: Select ‘measure knee flexion’
• Step 3: Upload or take a picture with your knee in the position shown in the photo
• Step 4: Receive your accurate range of motion results via email!
• Step 5: If required, work on your range of motion, then repeat the steps above to compare.

Still not sure, or want a visual explanation? Then check out our video tutorial on how to use checkmyrom for measuring your range of motion.

How to measure knee extension range of motion using CheckMyROM

It is just as easy to get a digital record of your knee extension range of motion using CheckMyROM. Now that you’ve already completed it for knee flexion, you will find it even easier!

• Step 1: Go to https://checkmyrom.com
• Step 2: Select ‘measure knee extension’
• Step 3: Upload a picture with your knee in the position shown in the photo – ask a friend to help if required, or use a 10 second timer and try not to trip and injure yourself!
• Step 4: CONGRATULATIONS. You then receive your accurate range of motion results via email!
• Step 5: If required, work on your range of motion, then repeat the steps above to submit and compare.

Why both flexion and extension ROM are important to measure

It takes two to tango. It also takes optimal flexion and extension of the knee to keep you moving and completing the things you love with ease. It is useful to track both knee flexion and extension as ranges of motion both are required to complete different day to day activities.

To conclude

Measuring knee range of motion is crucial for the assessment, diagnosis and rehabilitation of the knee. If you have an injury your first port of call should be to use CheckMyROM to easily and quickly get some accurate data on the range of motion you have in your knee. This will track both how much flexion you are able to achieve, as well as the extension of the knee. If you are still concerned about the problem with your knee, or how to best get it better, you can contact me via a free Physio consult \to get some advice and next steps.