What Is the Range of Motion or Movement?
Range of motion indicates the distance or how far a person can move or stretch a body part, such as a joint or a muscle. It is unique to each of us. Some people can perform complete splits, but others cannot because their joints are not free enough and their muscles are not long enough. These exercises can also be done with the help of gravity, by themselves, in water, or with the help of an external machine.
What Are the Uses of Range of Movement Exercises?
Seeing a physiotherapist can be highly beneficial if a joint has reduced movement. Range of motion exercises can:
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Enhance joint mobility.
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Improve joint and limb function.
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Enhance movement efficiency.
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Promote independence.
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Reduce pain.
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Enhance and preserve joint integrity.
If the person is experiencing a reduced range of movement in a joint, these benefits can significantly improve the quality of life.
What Does the Range of Movement Exercise Session Include?
Upon completion of a physiotherapy assessment, a range of motion exercises will be prescribed based on assessing both the range and quality of movement. Frequently, strengthening exercises are prescribed alongside or shortly after a range of motion exercises. This is because increased movement at a joint without a corresponding increase in strength could lead to further injury.
Range of motion exercise programs will include:
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Passive Range of Motion Exercises: These involve another person or another body part completing the full movement without muscle activation.
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Auto-Assisted Range of Motion Exercises: Muscles complete the movement within the available range, and then additional pressure is applied to achieve a few extra degrees.
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Gravity-Assisted Range of Motion Exercises: Muscles activate to move the limb within the available range, aided by gravity's pull on the limb's weight.
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Range of Motion Exercises in Water: The physiotherapist may recommend warm water exercises, as they can help relax tissues and increase their extensibility, thus enhancing the achievable range of motion.
Range-of-motion exercises will be prescribed based on the initial assessment and a review of outcome measures. Strengthening exercises may also be recommended in addition to range-of-motion exercises.
Who Would Get Advantages From Range of Movement Exercises?
Exercises that improve the range of motion might be beneficial to many people. A joint's range of motion may be limited for various reasons. A physiotherapy assessment and range of motion exercises would benefit those with the following conditions and injuries:
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Arthritic joints.
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Resolving ligament sprain.
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An acute injury where swelling is present.
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Post joint replacement.
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A foreign object within the joint.
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Post joint surgery.
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Pre-surgery. It is done before joint surgery as post-surgery will decrease the movement; so, the more movement available before the surgery, the more movement will be available post-surgery.
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Resolving muscle strain.
What Are the Types of Range of Motion Exercises?
Exercises promoting joint mobility and reducing muscle stiffness are known as range of motion exercises.
There are three different types of range of motion exercises,
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Passive range of motion (PROM) activities.
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Active assistive range of motion (AAROM) exercises.
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Active range of motion (AROM) exercises.
Passive range of motion is usually performed on a non-moving joint. A physical therapist will use this exercise on a patient who is paralyzed or unable to move a certain joint. This type of exercise can help prevent stiffness. The patient does not move during this exercise while the therapist stretches the patient's soft tissues.
Active-assistive range of motion exercises are more advanced, requiring the client to move around the joint with the help of a physical therapist or a strap or band. These exercises can be uncomfortable, and the muscles can become weak. With these exercises, the person should gradually increase their range of motion. Active range of motion exercises are self-contained and performed by the patient alone. The role of the physical therapist may be limited to providing verbal instructions.
What Are the Risks of Range of Motion Exercises?
There is an increased risk of injury when the person cannot control a movement. Someone else needs help determining what their limit is. Therefore, they might push a muscle or joint beyond its ability to move. Stretching a bit further than the person thinks can go a long way toward extending the range of motion. However, going too far can result in a muscle tear or joint injury. Remember that no range of motion exercise should cause them any discomfort. Listen to the body and come to a complete rest when the person has reached the limit. When using a passive or active range of motion, stretching too far can lead to injuries and damage.
How Is the Range of Motion Tested and Measured?
Physical therapists commonly use a goniometer, an instrument that measures the angle at a joint, to determine the range of motion. A goniometer is a two-armed metal or plastic handheld device. Like a protractor, the device has numbers that represent angular distance. The physical therapist aligns the arms along the body and then moves the body in particular directions while measuring the range of motion.
Goniometers measure angles from 0 to 180 or 360 degrees. It is designed in various shapes and sizes to accommodate the human body's unique types of joints. The process of measuring the range of motion is usually painless. However, measuring the range of motion (ROM) can be uncomfortable after surgery or injury, although the discomfort is usually minimal and only lasts for the measurement duration.
Conclusion:
Reduced range of motion at a joint can generate a variety of issues, ranging from functional limb capabilities to psychological anxieties and barriers resulting from greater pain and decreased function. A physiotherapist can prescribe a range of motion exercises to help the person enhance joint function while eliminating any psychological barriers, leading to increased confidence. Reaching out to specialized physiotherapists may be beneficial. Healthcare providers are majorly involved in improving individuals' quality of life.
