Sisäkiertoa

Sisäkiertoa is the Finnish term for internal rotation, the rotational movement of a limb toward the midline of the body around its longitudinal axis. It is a basic concept in anatomy, kinesiology, and rehabilitation, used to describe how joints turn inward during movements.

In common clinical contexts, sisäkiertoa is most often discussed in relation to the shoulder (glenohumeral joint) and the hip. For the shoulder, internal rotation moves the arm so that the forearm and hand turn toward the body’s center. In the hip, it refers to the thigh rotating inward. The opposite movement is external rotation.

Measurement and assessment of sisäkiertoa typically involve range-of-motion (ROM) testing, often with a goniometer. ROM values for internal rotation vary by joint, position, and individual factors such as age, sex, and activity level. Clinicians document internal rotation in degrees and compare it to the contralateral side or established norms to identify deficits or asymmetries.

Clinical relevance is significant: restricted sisäkiertoa can indicate capsular tightness, muscle imbalance, or pathology such as adhesive capsulitis or labral conditions in the shoulder, and hip joint restrictions can affect gait and athletic performance. Conversely, excessive internal rotation may reflect hypermobility. Treatment and training focus on restoring balanced ROM and strength, using targeted stretches and strengthening exercises for the internal rotators and associated musculature.

Etymology and usage: the term derives from Finnish sisä (“inner”) and kiertoa (“rotation”). It is used in Finnish medical literature and translates into the corresponding English concept of internal rotation.