TYPES OF RANGE OF MOTION (ROM) EXERCISES
There are different kinds of ROM exercises. There are stretching exercises you can do yourself when you have the muscle strength to move your joints through their complete ranges. These are called Active ROM exercises. There are Self-ROM exercises which involve using a stronger arm to assist a weaker arm to perform the exercises, eliminating the need for caregiver assistance.
Then there are Passive ROM exercises which are done for a weaker person by a caregiver. Often a combination of the types of ROM exercises above will be used. For instance if a person has strong arms but very weak legs, he would use an active ROM program for the arms independently and a passive ROM program for the legs. Even within a limb the type of exercise used can vary depending on the strength of the different muscle groups. Pople with increased muscle tone (spasticity) will also need to learn techniques to decrease the tone before exercising. What type of ROM exercises are most effective for an individual is best determined by a therapist who can evaluate your own muscle strength and tone.
Lower Extremity Passive ROM Exercises
Lower extremity passive exercises are for someone else to stretch your hips, legs, and knees if you are unable to do this yourself. These exercises should be done slowly and gently while you are lying on your back. Each exercise should be done ten times on each leg each day.
General instructions: It is important that all exercise be performed in moderation. Fatigue will only increase your weakness and rob you of energy that you need for your daily routines and the activities you enjoy. If you find that your set of exercises tires you, talk to your therapist. Changes can be made that will eliminate the risk of fatigue. Similarly, none of your exercises should cause you pain. If you do experience pain when exercising, stop that exercise and talk to your therapist. It may be that you are not doing the exercise correctly, or perhaps some change to your exercise program must be made.
If your joints are very painful and swollen, move them gently through their range of motion. These exercises should be done slowly and steadily. It is important with ROM exercises not to force movements and to stop a movement if it causes you pain. Damage to the joint space can occur if too much force is applied. Joint range of motion is done on one joint at a time. Stabilize with one hand just above the joint and place your other hand below the joint to move the part through its full range of motion. Your physical therapist will tell you how many times to do each one.
- Ideally, these exercises should be done once per day.
- Do each exercise 10 times or move to the point of resistance and hold for 30 seconds.
- Begin exercises slowly, doing each exercise a few times only and gradually build up to more.
- Try to achieve full range of motion by moving until you feel a slight stretch, but don't force a movement.
- Move only to the point of resistance. Do not force the movement.
- Keep limbs supported throughout motion.
- Move slowly, watching the patient's face for response to ROM.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE HELPING A PERSON WITH RANGE OF MOTION EXERCISES
Do not exercise the joint to the point where the patient begins to feel pain. If the patient does not say anything watch his/her facial expressions for grimacing.
Exercise the joints for a short period of time a few times day
Bring all joints through each movement 3 times
Cradle the limb at the joint as it is exercised
Adjust the joint carefully, steadily, and easily; try not to do it in sudden jerky movements
Make sure to exercise the neck, shoulders,elbows, wrists, and forearms in addition to the fingers, hips, knees, ankles and toes
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