Joints maintain their normal range of motion by being moved.
It is therefore very important to move all your joints every day. Stiff joints can cause pain and permanent deformities and can make it hard for you to do your normal daily activities. In SCI, you may have difficulty moving your arms and legs, and your joints can easily become stiff and hard to bend. If your knees and hips become stiff, e.g., it will be hard for you to dress yourself and sit in a wheelchair. Some patients may need splints to keep the muscles around their joints stretched.