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Lateral Flexion - Glossary Term Illustration

Glossary Term

Lateral Flexion

Lateral Flexion: A frontal plane joint action of the spine that results in a decrease in the angle between two bones (e.g. bending to one side).

Lateral Flexion

Lateral Flexion: A frontal plane joint action of the spine that results in a decrease in the angle between two bones. Bending to the side.

  • Opposing Joint Action: Opposing actions are referred to as "ipsilateral flexion (to the same side)" and "contralateral flexion (to the opposite side)." Note that there is no such thing as "lateral extension."
  • Plane of Motion: Frontal plane
  • Direction Bias: Side-bending
  • Note: Joint actions may be referred to as "osteokinematic motions" or "osteokinematic joint actions" to differentiate them from "arthrokinematic motions " (e.g., spin, glide, roll, compression, and distraction).

For more (including a video lecture), check out:

Joints that Perform Lateral Flexion (and Sample Exercises):

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