College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia (CMTBC) Practice Exam

Which of the following is an example of a tissue stretch end feel?

1. Flexion of the elbow

2. External rotation of the glenohumeral joint

3. Extension of the knee

4. Abduction of the shoulder

The correct answer is: External rotation of the glenohumeral joint

The choice of external rotation of the glenohumeral joint as an example of a tissue stretch end feel is appropriate because tissue stretch end feel is characterized by a firm sensation when the joint is moved to the end of its range of motion, indicating that the joint capsule or ligaments are taut. In external rotation of the shoulder, the soft tissues, including the joint capsule and surrounding ligaments, create a distinct resistance that is felt when the motion reaches its maximal point, which is indicative of a tissue stretch. In contrast, flexion of the elbow tends to have a soft end feel as it involves the approximation of muscle tissues, whereas extension of the knee could result in a bony or hard end feel based on the contact between the femur and the tibia. Abduction of the shoulder also generally does not reach a firm resistance in the same way as external rotation does and may be influenced by soft tissues or even bony structure at different angles. Thus, external rotation of the glenohumeral joint distinctly exemplifies the tissue stretch end feel.