Treating Arom And Prom: Prioritizing Your Health

The choice between treating AROM (Active Range of Motion) or PROM (Passive Range of Motion) first depends on the patient's condition and the underlying problem. PROM involves a therapist or equipment moving the joint with no effort from the patient, while AROM involves the patient moving the joint independently, without external assistance. PROM is often used when the patient is unable to move the joint or requires assistance due to weakness, pain, or changes in muscle tone. On the other hand, AROM promotes fluid movement, decreased edema, and the preservation of movement. Conditions that may cause further damage if the joint is moved too far typically call for AROM within a pain-free range. Understanding the specific condition and potential risks is crucial in determining the appropriate treatment approach.

AROM is used for injuries where PROM could cause damage

AROM (Active Range of Motion) and PROM (Passive Range of Motion) are two types of therapeutic exercises designed to increase the distance in a joint's movement. AROM involves a patient performing stretching exercises, moving the muscles around a weak joint without any aid. PROM, on the other hand, involves a physical therapist or equipment moving the joint through a variety of stretching exercises with no effort from the patient.

The decision to use AROM or PROM depends on the underlying problem and the potential risks of causing further damage. It is important to understand the specific injury and choose the appropriate treatment to effectively rehabilitate the patient without causing harm.

In some cases, AROM is also used to prevent adaptive muscle shortening, contractures, and shortening of the capsule, ligaments, and tendons. It provides sensory stimulation and helps maintain joint integrity. AROM can be particularly beneficial for patients with central nervous system dysfunction, as it helps maintain joint mobility and prevent contractures.

PROM is used to increase ROM or prevent contractures

Passive Range of Motion (PROM) is a type of therapeutic exercise used to increase a joint's movement. During PROM, the client applies no effort to move the joint, which is instead moved through a variety of stretching exercises by a physical therapist or with the help of equipment. PROM is used when you want to increase the range of motion or prevent contractures. For instance, if someone has shoulder stiffness or has a flaccid upper extremity due to a stroke, then PROM is recommended.

PROM is also used in conjunction with Active Range of Motion (AROM) while a patient is still on the table, as an effective approach to begin loading the tissue while there is still inflammation going on, as long as you stay within pain tolerances. The goal is to get the joint or tissue moving and start building strength in the tissue again. However, it is important to understand the underlying problem and if performing PROM could cause damage. For example, if you have a repaired or broken extremity, AROM may be a better option as it can cause less damage while still promoting joint and tissue integrity.

AROM promotes fluid movement and decreased edema

AROM, or Active Range of Motion, is a term used by physical therapists to refer to the range of movement through which a patient can actively move a joint without external assistance. This is achieved when opposing muscles contract and relax, resulting in joint movement. For example, the active range of motion to allow the elbow to bend requires the biceps to contract while the triceps muscle relaxes.

Additionally, AROM can help to prevent contractures and maintain joint integrity. This is important for patients with conditions such as arthritis, where there is a restricted range of motion. AROM can also be used to assess the stability of the joints and the ability of the antagonist muscles to elongate.

It is important to note that AROM should be performed within a pain-free range to avoid causing further damage. The patient's movements should be monitored and adjusted accordingly, as overdoing it can hinder the healing process.

PROM is used when a patient is unable or not permitted to move a body part

Passive Range of Motion (PROM) is used when a patient is unable or not permitted to move a body part. PROM is a technique where the examiner moves the joint without the help of the patient. This is normally done when the patient experiences pain, has a neurological impairment, or has a flaccid UE due to a stroke. PROM is also used to increase the range of motion or prevent contractures.

AROM is used when a patient is able to voluntarily contract, control, and coordinate a movement

AROM, or Active Range of Motion, is used when a patient is able to voluntarily contract, control, and coordinate a movement. This is in contrast to PROM, or Passive Range of Motion, where the patient's joint is moved through a variety of stretching exercises by a physical therapist or with the help of equipment.

AROM is typically used when a patient has weak musculature and is unable to move a joint through the desired range, usually against gravity. During AROM exercises, the patient moves their joint without any external assistance, using only the muscles adjacent to the joint. This type of exercise helps to improve the patient's range of motion, flexibility, balance, and strength.

AROM is particularly useful in the rehabilitation of certain injuries, such as an ankle sprain. For example, a patient with an ankle sprain may be instructed to perform mild movements like plantar flexion, dorsiflexion, supination, and pronation within a pain-free range. As the movements become easier, the amount of support is decreased, and weight-bearing is increased.

AROM can also be used to treat tendon repairs. In this case, PROM may be used initially to promote a range of motion and decrease scarring, and AROM is preserved for later in the rehabilitation process when the tendon is better healed.

It is important to note that the decision to use AROM or PROM depends on the specific condition and underlying problem of the patient. In some cases, AROM may cause more damage, and PROM is recommended to increase the range of motion or prevent contractures. For example, if a patient has a repaired or broken extremity, AROM can cause damage, while PROM can be safer while still promoting joint and tissue integrity.

Frequently asked questions