FRC Joint Mobility & Control Principles

Question 1

During Controlled Articular Rotations (CARs), what is the primary goal for the moving joint?

Accepted Answer

Actively rotate through the largest pain-free outer range while keeping the rest of the body still

Answer

CARs are slow, controlled, active rotations through the outermost available range with the rest of the body held still.

Question 2

Why does FRC emphasize generating irradiation (whole-body tension) during CARs?

Accepted Answer

To limit compensatory movement at other joints so the target joint does the work

Answer

Irradiation stabilizes the rest of the body so motion stays isolated to the target articulation.

Question 3

A client doing shoulder CARs arches the lumbar spine as the arm passes overhead. What is the most appropriate coaching cue?

Accepted Answer

Increase body tension to keep the spine still and shrink the arc to what the shoulder can actually own

Answer

Compensations show the range isn't owned by the shoulder, so the arc should be reduced while maintaining isolation.

Question 4

In FRC, CARs are commonly used as an assessment tool because they reveal what?

Accepted Answer

The active, controllable range and quality of motion at a joint

Answer

CARs expose the usable active range and any pinching, jumping, or compensations at a joint.

Question 5

If a client feels a pinch at one point during hip CARs, what is the generally recommended response?

Accepted Answer

Steer the path slightly around the pinch and work within pain-free range

Answer

CARs should stay pain-free, so the path is adjusted to avoid impingement while exploring the boundary.

FRC - Functional Range Conditioning Certification Practice Test