Understanding Arom: Physical Therapy's Secret Weapon

Physical therapists use a lot of different abbreviations when discussing treatment or writing reports. AROM is an acronym for Active Range of Motion, a term commonly used by physical therapists when referring to the range of movement through which a patient can actively move a joint without external assistance, using only the muscles adjacent to the joint.

What does AROM mean in physical therapy?

AROM: Active range of motion

AROM stands for Active Range of Motion, 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. It is the movement of a joint using the muscles adjacent to it.

Range of motion refers to how much a joint or body part can move in a range of directions. It is one of the reasons why medical terms are abbreviated, to keep things simple for the physical therapist and the patient.

Abbreviations are used for many reasons in physical therapy. They are used to denote various movements, anatomical landmarks, medical procedures, and even professional certifications. They can also be used for assistive devices, therapeutic modalities, and exercise equipment.

Some other common abbreviations in physical therapy include:

• 50%WB: 50 percent weight-bearing
• AFO: Ankle foot orthosis (a type of handle brace)
• CTx: Cervical traction
• ER: External rotation
• FIM score: Functional independence level
• PROM: Passive range of motion
• PT: Physical therapist

AAROM: Active assistive range of motion

AAROM stands for Active Assistive Range of Motion, a term used by physical therapists to refer to physical movements through the normal or available range of motion with assistance. This assistance can be provided by a physical therapist or by the patient themselves through the use of devices such as towels, pulleys, or other assistive devices.

Range of motion refers to how much a joint or body part can move in a range of directions. Physical therapists use a variety of techniques to improve a patient's range of motion, such as manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, and assistive devices.

Active assistive range of motion is often used to help patients regain movement after an injury or surgery. It can also be used to improve mobility in patients with disabilities or chronic conditions. By using AAROM techniques, physical therapists can help patients improve their range of motion, reduce pain, and increase their overall functionality.

There are several benefits to using active assistive range of motion techniques. Firstly, it can help improve a patient's range of motion faster than passive range of motion exercises. Secondly, it can help reduce the risk of injury by ensuring that the patient does not push themselves too hard. Finally, it can also help improve a patient's strength and coordination, which can aid in their recovery.

There are a variety of AAROM exercises that can be performed, depending on the patient's specific needs and condition. For example, a patient with a shoulder injury may benefit from assisted arm circles or wall slides, while a patient with a knee injury may focus on assisted leg raises or squats. It is important for these exercises to be tailored to the individual and their specific range of motion, level of assistance required, and functional level.

PROM: Passive range of motion

Physical therapists use a variety of abbreviations when discussing treatment or writing reports. PROM is one such abbreviation, and it stands for "Passive Range of Motion". This term is used when referring to moving a body part through its available range of motion without the activation of the patient's muscles. The movement is instead performed by an external source, such as a physical therapist.

Range of motion refers to how much a joint or body part can move in a range of directions. This can be assessed through active range of motion (AROM) or passive range of motion (PROM). AROM refers to the range of movement through which a patient can actively move a joint without external assistance, using only the muscles adjacent to the joint. On the other hand, PROM is useful when a patient is unable to perform AROM, for example, due to pain, muscle weakness, or neurological issues.

PROM is performed by applying an external force to move the body part through its available range of motion. This can be done by a physical therapist or with the use of assistive devices such as a continuous passive motion (CPM) machine. CPM machines are often used after joint surgery to help improve joint flexibility and reduce stiffness.

It is important to note that PROM should be performed with caution and within the limits of the patient's comfort. The therapist should communicate with the patient throughout the movement to ensure it is performed safely and does not cause any pain or discomfort.

By understanding the terminology used in physical therapy, patients can better understand their rehabilitation program and actively participate in their recovery plan.

RICE: Rest, ice, compression, elevation

RICE is an acronym used in physical therapy that stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. This combination of treatments is often used for injuries and can help to reduce swelling, pain, and inflammation.

Rest: Following an injury, it is important to rest the affected body part to prevent further damage and promote healing. This may involve immobilizing the injured area with a splint or sling, or simply avoiding any activities that cause pain or discomfort.

Ice: Applying ice to an injury can help reduce swelling and pain. Ice therapy can be done with ice packs, ice baths, or cold therapy machines. It is typically recommended to apply ice for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day, for the first 48-72 hours after an injury.

Compression: Compression helps to limit swelling and provides support to the injured area. This can be achieved by wrapping the affected area with elastic bandages, compression sleeves, or braces. It is important to ensure that the compression is not too tight, as this can restrict blood flow.

Elevation: Elevating the injured body part above the level of the heart can help reduce swelling and pain. This can be done by propping the injured area up on pillows or using a sling to keep it elevated. Elevation is particularly important for injuries to the hands, arms, feet, and legs.

By following the RICE protocol, physical therapists can help their patients manage pain and swelling, and promote faster healing after an injury. It is important to note that RICE is often used in conjunction with other treatments and should be tailored to the specific needs of each patient.

CPM: Continuous passive motion

CPM stands for Continuous Passive Motion. It is a physical therapy abbreviation used to describe a type of movement or medical procedure. CPM is a form of therapeutic modality that helps improve blood flow, muscle contractions, and inflammation. It involves moving a body part through its available range of motion without the patient's muscles being activated. An external source, such as a physical therapist or a machine, performs the movement. CPM is often used after joint surgery or immobilization to help restore range of motion and reduce stiffness and inflammation. It can also help improve blood flow and reduce muscle atrophy. CPM is usually performed for a specified period, and the speed, range of motion, and duration can be adjusted to meet the patient's needs.

Continuous passive motion therapy is often used after joint surgery or immobilization to restore range of motion and function. It can also be beneficial for reducing pain and stiffness, improving blood circulation, and preventing muscle atrophy. CPM machines are commonly used for knee, shoulder, and elbow joints, but they can also be used for other joints like the hip, wrist, or ankle. These machines gently move the joint through a controlled range of motion, increasing the range gradually over time. The speed and range of motion can be adjusted to provide a comfortable and effective treatment.

CPM therapy is often started soon after surgery or immobilization to prevent stiffness and promote healing. The early initiation of CPM helps maintain and improve the range of motion, reducing the risk of joint contractures or adhesions forming. It also aids in reducing swelling and inflammation, which are common after joint surgeries. The improved blood flow and circulation promoted by CPM therapy help speed up the healing process and reduce pain. For example, after a total knee replacement, CPM can be used to bend and straighten the knee joint gently, helping restore movement and reducing pain and swelling.

The duration of CPM therapy can vary depending on the patient's condition, the joint involved, and the specific goals of the treatment. In some cases, CPM may be used for a short period immediately after surgery or immobilization. In other cases, it may be recommended as a long-term treatment to maintain or improve joint flexibility and range of motion. CPM therapy is often used in conjunction with other physical therapy exercises and treatments to optimize the patient's recovery and function. It is important to note that CPM should be used as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation program and under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional.

CPM machines are designed to provide a consistent and controlled movement of the joint. They typically have adjustable settings to customize the treatment for each patient. The speed, range of motion, and duration of the movement can be set according to the patient's comfort and therapeutic needs. Some CPM machines also allow for different types of motion, such as continuous circular motion or back-and-forth motion, depending on the joint being treated. These machines are usually designed to be comfortable and secure, ensuring that the patient's joint is properly positioned and stabilized during the treatment.

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