1. Range of Motion Exercises
Range of motion (ROM) is the full movement potential of a joint, usually its range of flexion and extension. For example, a knee might lack 10 degrees of full extension due to an injury.
Range of motion exercises helps you move your joints to prevent stiffness. In addition, ROM exercises are done as a part of your warm-up exercise routine.
There are three main types of range of motion exercises. They are:
I.Passive Range of Motion
In Passive Range of Motion Therapist or equipment moves the joint through the range of motion with no effort from the patient.
In Passive Range of Motion exercise, the physical therapist is the one moving the joint. No active movement is coming from the patient. This is usually done to prevent stiffness of the joint from being inactive or paralyzed.
Ideally lie down in a comfortable position to minimize bleeding, swelling and further damage. Rest may also involve the use of crutches, a protective brace or tape or the use of a sling etc.
Also, passive range of motion can be done in conjunction with passive stretching exercises. When we say passive stretching, the therapist or another person stretches the patient's/client's soft tissues.
II.Active-assistive Range of Motion Exercises
In Active-assistive Range of Motion Patient uses the muscles surrounding the joint to perform the exercise but requires some help from the therapist or equipment (such as a strap).
This type of range of motion exercise uses some assistance coming from the physical therapist. The patient can move his or her limb but cannot complete full range of motion because of weakness or pain.
This is done to slowly to increase the strength of the patient's specific muscle.
III.Active Range of Motion Exercises
In Active Range of Motion Patient performs the exercise to move the joint without any assistance to the muscles surrounding the joint.
All movements are performed by the patient in active range of motion exercises. The patient can perform the exercises without manual assistance from the therapist. The physical therapist may continually provide verbal cues on how to perform the exercises properly.