Physical Therapy Measuring Tools

Physical therapists use tools to measure strength, range of motion, swelling and sensation. When a physical therapist performs an evaluation, he takes baseline measurements and writes goals in regards to those measurements to track progression or regression. Using these tools provides standardized measurements that can be reproduced between therapists.

Goniometer

• A goniometer, a plastic or metal tool with two arms and a pivot point, measures the angle of a joint, such as a knee, elbow or ankle, when bent or straightened. The therapist places the pivot point on the joint and aligns the arms along the limb.

Dynamometer

• A dynamometer measures grip strength. A patient grips the device and squeezes as hard as she can. A dial displays the strength measurement.

Measuring Tape

• A measuring tape measures edema in a leg or arm by taking circumferential measurements around specific areas on the foot and leg or hand and arm. Leg-length discrepancies are measured by placing the end of the tap on the patient's belly button and measuring down to the bone on the inside of the ankle.

Force Gauge

• A force gauge measures the force exerted from a muscle. A force gauge also measures lifting force.

Balance Scales

• The Berg and Tinetti balance scale consists of a series of actions--such as reaching to the floor--that are graded with a number. The total of the all the actions for the test assesses whether a patient displays a high, medium or low fall risk.

Volumetric Edema Gauges

• A volumetric edema gauge is filled with water, and the affected limb is placed in the water-filled vessel. The therapist collects and measures the water that is displaced by the limb. Repeated over time, the displaced water quantity indicates the amount of edema, yielding a measurement of the amount of swelling.