The Barrier Concept

Question 1

Anatomic barrier

Answer 1

• The limit of motion imposed by anatomic structure
• which is limited by passive motion
• and beyond which will cause injury
  
  • (ligamentous, tendinous, skeletal or neurovascular)

Question 2

Elastic barrier

Answer 2

• The range between the physiologic and anatomic barrier of motion
• in which passive ligamentous stretching occurs before tissue disruption

Question 3

Physiologic barrier

Answer 3

• The limit of patient’s active range of motion

Question 4

Restrictive barrier

Answer 4

• a functional limit that abnormally diminishes the normal physiologic range

Question 5

Pathologic barrier

Answer 5

• a restriction of joint motion associated with pathologic change of tissues/cells
• In the image below, the osteophytic changes demonstrated by white arrows would be considered a pathologic barrier