Joint Rotations

Controlled Articular Rotations or CARs for short. Articular simply means relating to joints. A controlled articular rotation is an active, rotational movement at the limit of a joint’s range of motion. 

So why should you do them?

Our joints need to move in order to stay healthy. Use it or lose it as the saying goes. A fascinating, incredible fact about our cells is that they can adapt to the loads we place upon them. Unfortunately, if you don’t move then this can work against you. If a joint stays stuck in one position for months and even years then the cells in your body will listen and get good at holding that position.

Furthermore, the nervous system begins to think that you don’t need the other ranges of motion and so energy isn’t wasted on creating and conserving the tissues needed to go into that range. A CAR is a way to move your joint through its full range and remind your body it needs to maintain that.