Contracture, a joint gone stiff

Contracture

A contracture is a joint that has become stiff and hard to straighten. It happens when a limb stays in one position for too long and the muscles and tissue shorten.

This matters because a fixed joint makes washing, dressing and moving painful. Once a joint is very tight, it is much harder to loosen again, so early care counts.

Our physiotherapist works to prevent this early with gentle movement, stretching and good positioning. We also show the caregiver simple ways to keep a stiff arm or leg moving each day, so the joint stays as free as possible.