What is the method called that measures and documents range of motion?

The method that measures and documents range of motion is known as goniometry. Goniometry involves the use of a goniometer, a specialized instrument that accurately measures angles of joint movement, thereby providing a quantitative assessment of a joint's range of motion. This measurement is essential in physical therapy, enabling therapists to evaluate a patient's mobility, track progress over time, and determine appropriate rehabilitation strategies.

Using goniometry, therapists can identify limitations in joint movement, assess the effectiveness of treatments, and guide the development of personalized exercise programs. The precision and reliability of goniometric measurements make it a fundamental technique in both clinical assessments and research related to physical therapy.

Other methods mentioned, such as arthrometry, fleximetry, and kinematography, are used in different contexts. Arthrometry typically refers to the measurement of joint laxity or stability, fleximetry is more often associated with measuring flexibility but not necessarily in the systematic manner that goniometry offers, and kinematography focuses on the motion analysis of movements rather than specific measurements of range of motion.