Immobilization

Restriction of movement of a body part or the whole body resulting in reduced or absent physical mobility.

Causes

• Therapeutic immobilization

  • Casts

  • Splints

  • Braces

  • External fixation devices

• Medical management

  • Prescribed bed rest

  • Postoperative recovery

  • Critical illness requiring prolonged hospitalization

• Neurological causes

  • Stroke

  • Neurodegenerative diseases

  • Spinal cord injury

  • Multiple sclerosis

  • Parkinson's disease

  • Paralysis

• Musculoskeletal causes

  • Fractures

  • Joint injuries

  • Severe arthritis

  • Muscle or tendon injuries

  • Amputation

• Pain-related causes

  • Acute pain

  • Chronic pain

  • Pain limiting voluntary movement

• Aging-associated decline in strength and mobility

• Severe illness

• Generalized weakness