To increase ROM using SHA, position the joint:

To increase ROM using SHA, position the joint:

• A. At or near end range of available motion for a prolonged stretch
• B. At neutral to begin therapy
• C. At a purely shortened position
• D. At maximum flexion only

Answer: (A)

Placing the joint at or very close to its end range and maintaining that position for a prolonged period leverages the viscoelastic properties of muscle and connective tissue. Keeping tissues stretched at their limit allows creep and plastic deformation to occur, meaning the collagen fibers slowly lengthen and the muscle-tendon unit becomes more compliant. Over time, this leads to a greater available range of motion when the joint moves again. Starting from a neutral or shortened position won’t produce the same lengthening effect, and forcing maximal flexion only targets a specific point rather than the entire ROM. A prolonged stretch at end range provides a safer, more effective stimulus for increasing overall ROM.

Placing the joint at or very close to its end range and maintaining that position for a prolonged period leverages the viscoelastic properties of muscle and connective tissue. Keeping tissues stretched at their limit allows creep and plastic deformation to occur, meaning the collagen fibers slowly lengthen and the muscle-tendon unit becomes more compliant. Over time, this leads to a greater available range of motion when the joint moves again.

Starting from a neutral or shortened position won’t produce the same lengthening effect, and forcing maximal flexion only targets a specific point rather than the entire ROM. A prolonged stretch at end range provides a safer, more effective stimulus for increasing overall ROM.