Physical therapy is a health profession concerned with the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of disease and disability through physical means. Physiotherapists use a range of motion exercises to enhance joint function and relieve orthopedic problems. Two types of motion exercises are PROM (Passive Range of Motion) and AROM (Active Range of Motion). PROM is a form of exercise where the client applies no effort to move the joint, and the joint is moved through a variety of stretching exercises by a physical therapist or with the help of equipment. AROM, on the other hand, is when the client performs stretching exercises, moving the muscles around a weak joint without any aid.
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AROM stands for Active Range of Motion
AAROM, or Active-Assisted Range of Motion, is similar but refers to when the joint receives partial assistance from an outside force, such as a therapist or device. This is often due to weakness, pain, or changes in muscle tone.
Passive Range of Motion, or PROM, is when an outside force, such as a physical therapist, moves a body part through its available range without the activation of the patient's muscles. This is usually the maximum range of motion a joint can move and is performed when the patient is unable or not permitted to move the body part themselves.
Range of motion is the extent or limit to which a part of the body can be moved around a joint or fixed point. It is the total movement a joint is capable of. This can be measured by a goniometer, which uses a stationary arm, fulcrum, and movement arm to measure joint angles from the axis of the joint. Other tools include tape measures for certain body parts, such as the lumbar spine flexion.
The purpose of range of motion exercises is to prevent the development of adaptive muscle shortening, contractures, and shortening of the capsule, ligaments, and tendons. They also provide sensory stimulation. These exercises are important for injury rehabilitation and can help improve and maintain joint integrity, as well as increase movement and function.
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PROM stands for Passive Range of Motion
PROM is an acronym for Passive Range of Motion, a term commonly used by physical therapists. It refers to the movement of a body part through its available range of motion without the activation of the patient's muscles. An external source, such as a physical therapist or a Continuous Passive Motion (CPM) machine, performs the movement. PROM is typically performed when the patient is unable or not permitted to move the body part independently.
Passive Range of Motion exercises help keep a person's joints flexible and are particularly beneficial for individuals who are bedridden or wheelchair-bound due to stroke, accident, or other medical conditions. These exercises can be done daily or as directed by a healthcare provider. During PROM exercises, it is important to move the person slowly, gently, and smoothly, avoiding fast or jerky motions. The movement should be stopped at the point of resistance or discomfort, without pushing through pain.
PROM exercises can be applied to various body parts, including the head, shoulders, elbows, wrists, arms, hands, fingers, hips, knees, legs, ankles, feet, and toes. For example, in shoulder movement, the person's arm is raised forward and then up over their head before being brought back down to their side. In wrist bends, the hand is bent toward the shoulder, with fingers pointing up, and then down so the fingers point toward the floor.
It is important to note that Passive Range of Motion exercises carry a risk of injury if not performed correctly. The person performing the exercises should be careful not to push beyond the person's limits, as it may lead to muscle tears or joint damage.
By performing PROM exercises, individuals can improve their joint flexibility, maintain their existing joint and soft tissue mobility, prevent contractures and adhesions, and enhance their overall range of motion.
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AROM is a term used by physical therapists
AROM stands for Active Range of Motion, a term used by physical therapists to describe the range of movement through which a patient can actively move a joint without external assistance. It is one of three types of range-of-motion exercises, the other two being PROM (Passive Range of Motion) and AAROM (Active Assisted Range of Motion). Range of motion refers to the distance and direction a joint moves between a flexed (bent) and an extended (stretched) position. It also refers to therapeutic exercises designed to increase the distance of a joint's movement.
During AROM exercises, the patient performs stretching exercises, moving the muscles around a weak joint without any aid. This is distinct from PROM, where the patient's muscles are not activated and the movement is performed by an external source, such as a physical therapist or equipment. In AAROM, the patient uses the muscles around a weak joint to complete stretching exercises with the assistance of a physical therapist or equipment.
Several health issues can restrict a person's range of motion, including problems with body mechanics and diseases such as arthritis. Range of motion is also one of the dimensions used in Functional Capacity Evaluations to measure and determine joint flexibility.
In physical therapy, a manipulation is when a therapist applies a specific force to a joint to move it beyond its normal PROM. This often results in a cracking sound.
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AROM and PROM are different for different joints
AROM stands for Active Range of Motion, which is how far a joint can move without assistance. This motion consists of how far one can move a joint in any given direction. PROM, on the other hand, stands for Passive Range of Motion, which is how far a joint can move with assistance. PROM is performed by an external source, such as a physical therapist.
The difference between AROM and PROM is that AROM relies on the muscles, tendons, and ligaments to control the movement of the joint, whereas PROM is not limited by the strength of the muscles. For instance, the AROM of the shoulder is determined by how far one can reach the arm above the head and the circumference of the circular motion that can be made with the arm. PROM, on the contrary, is how far a joint can move with assistance, like pulling the leg up to the chest with the arms to stretch.
AROM is different for each joint and individual, depending on various factors. For example, the normal range of motion for raising the arm forward towards the head is roughly 150 to 165 degrees, whereas the range of motion for raising the arm from the side towards the head is close to 180 degrees.
The three basic types of range of motion are passive, active-assistive, and active, defined by whether and to what degree the patient can move the joint voluntarily. Active-assistive range of motion (AAROM) is therapist-assisted active range of motion, usually prescribed for gentle stretching or strengthening a very weak body part.
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AROM and PROM are used when a patient has weak musculature
AROM stands for Active Range of Motion, which is a term commonly used by physical therapists to refer to the range of movement through which a patient can actively move a joint without external assistance. On the other hand, PROM stands for Passive Range of Motion, which is also used by physical therapists to refer to moving a body part through its available range without the activation of the patient's muscles. The movement is performed by an external source, such as a physical therapist.
Both PROM and AROM are useful in diagnosing injuries or conditions affecting joints and soft tissues, helping determine the best treatment plan. They are also used in rehabilitation to gauge recovery. For instance, measuring AROM can indicate strength and control when recovering from an injury, surgery, or a serious condition. PROM is particularly useful when a patient is unable or not supposed to move themselves, such as in cases where a patient is comatose or has just undergone surgery.
AROM and PROM are beneficial when a patient has weak musculature. PROM can be used when a patient is unable to move their muscles, such as in cases of weak musculature, and can help decrease the complications of immobilization, like cartilage degeneration and poor circulation. AROM, on the other hand, can be used to strengthen weak musculature and improve fitness levels. While AROM may not lead to significant increases in strength for everyone, it can be sufficient for certain populations, especially those who are very deconditioned or weak.
In cases of weak musculature, AROM exercises can be used to improve joint mobility and increase the range of motion. However, it is important to note that pushing the joints too far can result in injury. Therefore, increasing the strength and flexibility of joints should be done in controlled, smaller movements.
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