Arom Vs Prom: Which Is The More Aggressive Strategy?

Aggressive rehabilitation is often required after an injury or accident, and there are several types of range-of-motion (ROM) exercises that can be used to aid recovery. Passive Range of Motion (PROM) and Active Range of Motion (AROM) are two such treatments. PROM is a treatment where the patient 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. AROM, on the other hand, is where the patient performs stretching exercises, moving the muscles around a weak joint without any aid.

AROM is used for injuries where PROM could cause damage

Passive Range of Motion (PROM) is used when you want to increase the range of motion or prevent contractures. It is also used when you want to maintain the elasticity of muscles and contractures, assist circulation, enhance synovial movement, decrease pain, and assist in healing after injury or surgery. However, in cases where there is a risk of causing further damage by pushing a joint too far, Active Range of Motion (AROM) is used.

The choice between AROM and PROM depends on the underlying problem and the potential risks of causing further damage. AROM is a measure of how far a person can actively move a joint, and it is controlled by muscle contraction and flexion. PROM, on the other hand, is how far a joint can move with assistance, without requiring muscle contraction or flexion.

In a medical evaluation, AROM is used to diagnose many joint or soft tissue injuries. Moving a joint with a sprain will cause pain, and this point of pain limits the AROM and indicates the type of injury. AROM is also used in rehabilitation to gauge recovery. It is one of the key indicators of strength and control during recovery from an injury, surgery, or a serious condition.

To summarise, AROM is used for injuries where PROM could cause damage by pushing the joint too far. AROM is a more aggressive approach as it relies on active movement and muscle control, while PROM is passive and focuses on maintaining joint integrity and promoting healing.

PROM is used to increase ROM or prevent contractures

PROM (Passive Range of Motion) is used to increase ROM or prevent contractures. PROM is the movement of a segment within the unrestricted range of motion (ROM) that is produced entirely by an external force. It is used when you want to increase ROM or prevent contractures. For example, if someone has shoulder stiffness or has a flaccid UE due to a stroke, then PROM is used.

The goal of PROM is to decrease the complications of immobilization, maintain the ability of joint and connective tissue, maintain the elasticity of muscles and contractures, assist circulation, enhance synovial movement, decrease pain, assist in healing after injury or surgery, maintain awareness of movement, determine limitation of motion and joint integrity, teach active range of motion and to demonstrate the desired motion, and prepare for passive stretching.

It is important to understand the underlying problem and if performing PROM could cause damage. For instance, if you have a repaired or broken extremity, AROM (Active Range of Motion) can cause damage while PROM can be safe while promoting joint and tissue integrity.

PROM is beneficial for those who are bedridden or wheelchair-bound

Passive Range of Motion (PROM) is highly beneficial for those who are bedridden or wheelchair-bound. PROM is a type of movement that is produced entirely by an external force, such as gravity, a machine, another person, or the individual's body. This can be extremely useful for those who are unable to move their joints or body on their own due to limited mobility.

For individuals who are bedridden or wheelchair-bound, PROM can help them maintain their joint and connective tissue health, as well as the elasticity of their muscles. This is especially important for those who are immobilized, as it can help decrease the complications that arise from being in one position for extended periods. PROM can also assist in healing after injuries or surgeries, which may be common for those with limited mobility.

Additionally, PROM can be used to determine the limitation of motion and joint integrity. This is crucial for understanding the range of motion that a person can achieve and can help in developing a treatment plan. PROM can also be a safer option for certain conditions, as it does not cause damage to repaired or broken extremities, unlike Active Range of Motion (AROM). For example, if someone has shoulder stiffness or a flaccid upper extremity due to a stroke, PROM would be the recommended approach.

Furthermore, PROM can be used to prepare for passive stretching, which can be beneficial for those who are bedridden or wheelchair-bound as it can improve their range of motion over time. PROM also assists in circulation and can decrease pain, which are important factors for individuals with limited mobility.

Overall, PROM is a valuable tool for those who are bedridden or wheelchair-bound as it helps maintain joint health, improve range of motion, assist in healing, and decrease pain and complications associated with immobilization. By utilizing PROM, individuals with limited mobility can improve their overall well-being and potentially increase their independence.

AROM is good for overall health and improves mobility over time

Active Range of Motion (AROM) is a therapeutic movement that improves overall health and mobility over time. It is a type of exercise that involves moving a part of the body using one's muscles without external help. For example, lifting your arms above your head to stretch the muscles is an AROM exercise.

AROM promotes muscle activation and strength development, helping to prevent muscle atrophy and joint stiffness. This, in turn, contributes to faster and more effective recovery. AROM exercises are often used in physical therapy and rehabilitation settings to assist individuals with limited mobility or those recovering from injuries or surgeries.

The benefits of AROM include:

• Improved joint mobility and flexibility
• Increased muscle strength
• Prevention of muscle atrophy and joint stiffness
• Faster and more effective recovery
• Improved overall health and mobility over time

AROM exercises are tailored to each individual's specific needs and physical capabilities, taking into account factors such as the type and extent of the injury, age, and overall fitness level. They can be beneficial for a wide range of conditions, including orthopedic injuries, neurological disorders, and post-operative recovery.

Healthcare professionals carefully monitor and guide patients through AROM exercises to ensure they are performed safely and effectively. The frequency, intensity, and progression of these exercises are adjusted over time to optimize outcomes and aid individuals in regaining functional mobility.

By performing AROM exercises, individuals can improve their physical well-being, avoid injuries, and enhance their overall health and mobility.

AAROM bridges the gap between PROM and AROM

Passive Range of Motion (PROM) and Active Range of Motion (AROM) are two different types of therapeutic exercises designed to increase the distance in a joint's movement. PROM involves moving a joint through a variety of stretching exercises with the help of a physical therapist or equipment, without any effort from the client. AROM, on the other hand, involves the client actively engaging their muscles to move a joint through a range of motion, without any external assistance.

While PROM is useful for maintaining joint and tissue integrity, preventing contractures, and increasing the range of motion, it does not increase strength or endurance. AROM, on the other hand, helps to maintain muscle contractility, provides sensory feedback, and increases circulation. However, it may not be suitable for certain conditions, as it can cause damage if performed incorrectly.

This is where Active Assistive Range of Motion (AAROM) comes in. AAROM bridges the gap between PROM and AROM. It is a type of motion in which assistance is provided manually or mechanically to help a patient complete a desired movement that they are unable to achieve on their own. This is often used when a patient has weak musculature and is unable to move a joint through the desired range, usually against gravity.

For example, if someone has broken their ankle and needs to keep it immobile during the healing process, they will lose range of motion due to lack of use. Once the ankle is healed, a physical therapist can apply AAROM to help the patient regain their range of motion. The therapist can apply pressure to the foot to move it just beyond what the patient can do on their own, thus increasing the range of motion.

AAROM is particularly useful in situations where a patient needs to build up flexibility or strength in a particular body part. It can also be used as a preparatory step before progressing to AROM exercises, as seen in the typical sequence of early healing ROM: PROM, then AAROM, then AROM. By starting with PROM and gradually progressing to AAROM and AROM, patients can safely increase their range of motion while minimising the risk of injury.

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