Which assessment tool is primarily used for evaluating joint mobility?

The goniometer is the primary assessment tool used for evaluating joint mobility because it provides a precise measurement of the angle of joints during movement. This tool allows clinicians to objectively quantify range of motion in degrees, which is crucial for assessing the mobility of joints and identifying any restrictions or limitations in movement.

Goniometers come in various models, including universal goniometers and digital goniometers, each designed to effectively capture the angles of joint flexion and extension, as well as other movements. The accurate readings from a goniometer help physical therapists and other healthcare providers to establish baselines of joint mobility, track progress over time, and design targeted intervention strategies aimed at improving joint function.

While a Range of Motion chart may be useful for noting measurements taken with a goniometer, it does not provide the actual measurements itself. A handheld dynamometer is designed to measure muscle strength rather than joint mobility, and palpation is a technique used to assess tissue quality and muscle tone, but it does not provide a quantifiable measurement of joint angles. Thus, the goniometer remains the most effective and direct tool for assessing joint mobility.