End feel refers to which aspect of a joint?

End feel refers to which aspect of a joint?

• A. The range of motion before resistance
• B. The end range of motion at the joint
• C. The laxity of ligaments
• D. The quality of a joint at the end of the elastic barrier

Answer: (D)

End feel is about the qualitative sensation you feel at the end of a joint’s passive range. It reflects how the surrounding tissues—capsule, ligaments, joint surfaces, and nearby muscles—resist further movement once the elastic barrier is reached. This isn’t about how far you can move the joint (that’s range of motion) or about overall ligament laxity; it’s about the quality of resistance you perceive at the limit of motion. Clinically, you categorize end feel as soft, firm, hard, or empty, each pointing to different tissue contributions at the end range. The phrase describing the quality of a joint at the end of the elastic barrier best captures this idea.

End feel is about the qualitative sensation you feel at the end of a joint’s passive range. It reflects how the surrounding tissues—capsule, ligaments, joint surfaces, and nearby muscles—resist further movement once the elastic barrier is reached. This isn’t about how far you can move the joint (that’s range of motion) or about overall ligament laxity; it’s about the quality of resistance you perceive at the limit of motion. Clinically, you categorize end feel as soft, firm, hard, or empty, each pointing to different tissue contributions at the end range. The phrase describing the quality of a joint at the end of the elastic barrier best captures this idea.