Arom Technique: What If You Can't Do It?

Active Range of Motion (AROM) is a term used by physical therapists to describe the range of movement a patient can actively move a joint without external assistance. It is the space in which a person moves a body part by using their muscles, such as lifting their arms above their head. AROM is important for health, fitness and mobility, and can be used to diagnose injuries, guide rehabilitation and improve athletic performance. If a patient is unable to perform AROM, doctors can use Passive Range of Motion (PROM) to determine the amount of movement possible at a joint. This involves moving the joint through its range of motion with no effort from the patient.

AROM is used to diagnose injuries

Active Range of Motion (AROM) is a category of therapeutic exercises that determine how far you can voluntarily move a joint. It is one of the tools used by doctors to diagnose joint or soft tissue injuries. For instance, if moving a joint causes pain, it could indicate a sprain of a muscle or tendon. On the other hand, if there is no pain but the AROM is limited, it could point to an issue within the joint, such as a ligament sprain.

AROM is calculated by measuring the distance or angle between the starting and finishing positions of a specific movement. For example, the AROM of the shoulder is determined by how far one can reach their arm above their head and the circular motion that can be made with the arm.

A reduction in AROM can hinder daily activities and athletic performance. Physical therapy often aims to restore AROM following an injury, surgery, or illness impacting the musculoskeletal system. This is achieved through exercises that strengthen tendons and muscles, as well as stretches and treatments to improve joint mobility.

Passive Range of Motion (PROM) is different from AROM as it involves moving a joint with assistance, such as pulling the leg up to the chest with the arms. PROM can move the joint farther than it can move on its own, and it is not limited by muscle strength.

AROM is a key indicator in rehabilitation

Active Range of Motion (AROM) is a key indicator in rehabilitation. AROM is the space in which a person can move a part of their body by using their muscles, without any external assistance. It is a critical factor in gauging recovery progress for individuals recovering from injuries, surgeries, or serious conditions such as a stroke.

AROM is an essential tool for physical therapists to assess the strength and control of a patient's injured joint. It helps determine how far the patient can voluntarily move the affected joint, providing valuable insights into their recovery status. Increasing AROM can be achieved through targeted exercises that strengthen tendons and muscles, as well as stretches and treatments aimed at enhancing joint mobility.

The importance of AROM in rehabilitation is evident in its ability to predict functional recovery. For instance, in the case of individuals experiencing acute paresis of the upper extremity after a stroke, AROM measurements taken within a month can be used to predict upper extremity function at three months. This information is invaluable for tailoring focused and cost-effective rehabilitation strategies.

Furthermore, AROM plays a crucial role in an individual's overall health and mobility. It can be improved by holding movements or stretches for at least 30 seconds, building strength in the muscles required for specific movements. However, it is important to incorporate a variety of range-of-motion exercises that challenge the entire body rather than isolating a single muscle group.

In addition to its role in rehabilitation, AROM is also used in fitness and sports to enhance performance and overall fitness levels. Exercises such as yoga, which combine stretching and strengthening, can effectively increase AROM. However, it is crucial to approach AROM improvements gradually to avoid injury, especially when pushing the joints beyond their current limits.

AROM is used to improve fitness levels

Active Range of Motion (AROM) is a type of exercise that involves moving a joint through its full range of motion without the use of weights or resistance. It is produced by the individual's own muscles and is different for each joint and person. AROM is used in medical diagnosis, rehabilitation, and fitness.

In medical diagnosis, doctors use AROM measurements to diagnose joint or soft tissue injuries. Moving a joint with a sprained muscle or tendon will cause pain, indicating the type of injury. If there is no pain but limited AROM, it may signal a problem within the joint, such as a ligament sprain.

AROM is a key indicator in rehabilitation. It helps gauge recovery from injuries, surgeries, or conditions like strokes. The distance a patient can voluntarily move an injured joint indicates strength and control. Increasing AROM can be achieved through exercises that strengthen tendons and muscles and improve joint mobility.

Many athletes use AROM to improve their fitness and sports performance. Exercises like yoga, which combine stretching and strengthening, can increase AROM. It is important to avoid pushing joints too far, as this can lead to injury. Controlled, smaller movements are recommended to increase joint strength and flexibility safely.

Overall, AROM plays a crucial role in improving fitness levels by enhancing joint flexibility, strength, and range of motion. It is a valuable tool in both medical and fitness contexts, helping individuals recover from injuries and improve their physical performance.

AROM is used to improve overall health

Active Range of Motion (AROM) is a space in which you move a part of your body using your muscles, without any external assistance. It is different from Passive Range of Motion (PROM), where an external force moves a joint through its full range of motion. AROM is an important indicator of your overall health, fitness, and mobility levels. Here are some reasons why AROM is used to improve overall health:

Diagnosis of Joint and Soft Tissue Injuries

Doctors use AROM measurements to diagnose many joint or soft tissue injuries. Moving a joint with a sprain will cause pain, and the point where pain is felt limits the AROM, indicating the type of injury. If there is no pain but the AROM is limited, it suggests a problem within the joint, such as a ligament sprain.

Rehabilitation and Recovery

AROM is a key indicator in rehabilitation after an injury, surgery, or serious condition like a stroke. Measuring AROM helps gauge recovery progress. It indicates strength and control over the injured joint. Physical therapists may use exercises, stretches, and treatments to increase AROM during rehabilitation.

Improved Fitness and Performance

AROM can be used to improve fitness levels, especially for athletes. Greater AROM can enhance sports performance and overall fitness. Exercises such as yoga, which combine stretching with strengthening, can increase AROM.

Preventing Muscle Atrophy and Joint Stiffness

In physical therapy and rehabilitation, Active Assisted Range of Motion (A-AROM) exercises are used to encourage individuals to actively engage their muscles and joints. This helps prevent muscle atrophy and joint stiffness, contributing to faster and more effective recovery.

Building Muscle Strength and Endurance

AROM exercises can help build muscle strength and endurance. By gradually increasing the intensity of these exercises over time, individuals can regain functional mobility and build strength.

AROM is used to guide therapy

Active Range of Motion (AROM) is a type of range-of-motion exercise performed by a patient without any assistance. The patient uses their own muscles to move a joint through its full range of motion. AROM is often used in physical therapy to improve the range of motion of a joint that has been injured or restricted.

AROM is beneficial in therapy as it helps to increase the range of motion of a joint, which can improve function and reduce pain. It also helps to strengthen the muscles around a joint, improving stability and preventing further injury. Additionally, AROM increases the flexibility of the tissues around a joint, further improving range of motion and reducing the risk of injury.

AROM can be particularly useful in predicting functional recovery for patients who have experienced a stroke. By taking early measures of upper extremity AROM, therapists can predict recovery of upper extremity function at later dates. This information is valuable for determining the prognosis of upper extremity functional recovery and providing focused and cost-effective rehabilitation.

AROM exercises should be performed slowly and carefully to avoid pain. It is important to start with gentle movements and gradually increase the range as tolerated. If pain is experienced, the exercise should be stopped, and a physical therapist should be consulted.

Frequently asked questions