Excursion

Excursion is a term used in the field of medicine and physiology to describe the act of moving or wandering away from a normal or regular path. It is often used to describe the movement of muscles or organs in the body.

Definition

In medical terms, an excursion refers to the range of movement of a muscle or joint in the body. This can be measured in terms of the distance travelled or the angle of movement. The term is often used in the context of physical therapy and rehabilitation to assess the progress of a patient's recovery.

Types of Excursion

There are two main types of excursion in the field of medicine:

• Active Excursion: This refers to the movement of a muscle or joint that is initiated and controlled by the patient. It is often used in physical therapy to help strengthen muscles and improve joint mobility.

• Passive Excursion: This refers to the movement of a muscle or joint that is initiated and controlled by an external force, such as a therapist or a mechanical device. It is often used in rehabilitation to help restore function to muscles or joints that have been injured or weakened.

Clinical Significance

The measurement of excursion can provide valuable information about the health and function of a muscle or joint. It can help to identify any abnormalities or restrictions in movement, which can be indicative of a range of medical conditions, including arthritis, muscular dystrophy, and stroke.

In addition, the concept of excursion is also important in the field of surgery. For example, during a lung surgery, the surgeon needs to consider the excursion of the diaphragm, which is the main muscle involved in breathing.

See Also

• Range of motion
• Physical therapy
• Rehabilitation (medicine)

References

Excursion Resources
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