American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM) Practice Exam

Stretching has no demonstrable benefit for which condition?

1. Hamstring strain

2. Joint contracture

3. Chronic neck pain

4. Rehabilitation post knee replacement

The correct answer is: Joint contracture

Stretching is often employed in various therapeutic contexts, but its effectiveness can vary depending on the condition being treated. In the case of joint contractures, which involve the permanent shortening of muscles or tendons around a joint, stretching alone is generally not sufficient to achieve significant improvements. This is because stretching may not adequately address the underlying structural changes that occur in the muscles, tendons, or connective tissue leading to the contracture. For conditions like a hamstring strain, chronic neck pain, or rehabilitation after knee replacement, stretching can play a beneficial role in alleviating tightness, improving flexibility, and enhancing overall movement function. In these scenarios, the application of stretching can help restore mobility and reduce pain, making it a useful therapeutic tool. However, in the context of joint contractures, stretching is often limited in its effectiveness and is typically supplemented with other interventions, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, or surgical options, to achieve functional improvement.