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Range of motion (ROM) means the extent or limit to which a part of the body can be moved around a joint or a fixed point; the totality of movement a joint is capable of doing. Range of motion of a joint is gauged during passive ROM (assisted) or active ROM (independent)).
Types of ROM[edit | edit source]
Measuring Range of Motion[edit | edit source]ROM measurements are an integral part of the physiotherapy assessment since monitoring patient status and documenting patient progress are standard requirements of physiotherapy practice. The tool used may depend on the body part, ease of use and physiotherapist's experience. A Goniometer is the most common tool for measuring range of motion of the joints of the body. It uses a stationary arm, fulcrum, and movement arm to measure joint angles from the axis of the joint.[5] Making a ROM measurement by using a goniometer requires training for reliable results. See the goniometry collection of pages for instructions on how to correctly (reliably and accurately) place the goniometer when measuring range of motion. Other types of ROM measurement: Tape measures can also be used to measure range of motion in some specific parts of the body. For example lumbar spine flexion can be assessed with a tape measure in the Schober Test. Movement Planes[edit | edit source]Three basic reference planes are used in anatomy. When considering the range of motion of a joint, or the movement direction, the three universal planes need to be taken into account. Each of the movements lie in one of the respective planes. [6] Causes of Limited Range of Motion[edit | edit source]Limited ROM refers to a joint that has a reduction in its ability to move. Motion may be limited because of a problem within the joint, swelling of tissue around the joint, stiffness of the muscles, or pain.[7] Medical conditions associated with a limited range of motion in the joints include:
Other than pathological causes for restriction of movement, there could be non-pathological causes such as
Increasing Range of Motion[edit | edit source]Range of motion can be maintained and gradually increased through the following range of motion & stretching exercises. Check out the page on Stretching for an in-depth explanation of the concept and topic. Range of Motion Exercises & Stretching[edit | edit source]Range of motion exercise refers to activity aimed at improving movement of a specific joint. This motion is influenced by several structures: configuration of bone surfaces within the joint, joint capsule, ligaments, tendons, and muscles acting on the joint. There are three types of range of motion stretching exercises:
Physiotherapy[edit | edit source]There are many reasons for seeing a Physiotherapist to aid with limited range of motion at a join. Range of motion therapy benefits include:
References[edit | edit source]
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