Physical Therapy Assistant Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Prep Guide

When pain limits the range of motion without any noticeable resistance from the tissues, it is characterized as an empty end feel. This type of end feel is observed when a patient experiences pain before reaching the anatomical limit of range, which suggests that the underlying issue is not related to the muscle or joint structure itself, but rather a pain response that prevents further movement.

In clinical practice, empty end feel indicates that the clinician should avoid pushing through the point of pain during assessment or treatment, as it can exacerbate the patient's discomfort or potentially lead to further injury. This differentiation is crucial for physical therapists and assistants when formulating treatment plans and understanding the nature of the patient's condition.

The typical characteristics of other end feels are important to recognize as well. A firm end feel suggests a tightness of the joint capsule or ligaments, a soft end feel indicates compression of soft tissues, and a hard or bony end feel typically points to bone-on-bone contact. Each of these would present with palpable resistance, distinguishing them from an empty end feel, where resistance is absent and pain is the limiting factor.