Maximizing Productivity: Choosing Between Prom And Arom

AROM, or Artificial Rupture of Membranes, is a common obstetric intervention used to induce or augment labor. On the other hand, prom, short for promenade, is a semi-formal dance held towards the end of high school. Both events are considered rites of passage and involve significant planning and traditions. While the timing of AROM is determined by medical professionals, prom usually takes place in late spring. Understanding the optimal timing of these events is crucial for those involved, whether it be expectant mothers or high school students.

When to use AROM to improve muscle strength

Aromatherapy is a complementary treatment that promotes physical, psychological, and mental health by using essential oils extracted from natural plants. Aromatherapy can be performed in several ways, including massage, skin application, inhalation, and foot baths.

Active Range of Motion (AROM) is the movement of a body part, such as a joint or muscle, through the active engagement of muscles without external assistance. AROM exercises strengthen muscles and improve overall health and mobility over time.

AROM can be effectively combined with aromatherapy to improve muscle strength and overall physical performance. The inhalation of certain essential oils can positively impact an individual's cognitive ability, attention, memory, and sleep, as well as positively influence emotions.

For example, inhaling peppermint essential oil has been found to improve grip strength and increase concentration. Aromatherapy can also induce positive emotions, reduce fatigue, and enhance mood, all of which can contribute to improved muscle strength and physical performance during AROM exercises.

Additionally, certain essential oils have specific properties that can benefit AROM exercises. For instance, rosemary essential oil stimulates circulation and helps with fluid retention, while lavender improves circulation and reduces muscle pain.

By combining AROM exercises with aromatherapy, individuals can benefit from the synergistic effects of physical movement and the therapeutic properties of essential oils, ultimately improving muscle strength and overall physical performance.

When to use PROM to increase range of motion

Passive Range of Motion (PROM) is a type of range of motion exercise where an outside force, such as a therapist or a Continuous Passive Motion (CPM) machine, moves a person's joint through its available range of motion. PROM is particularly useful when a person wants to increase their range of motion or prevent contractures.

• Bedridden or Wheelchair-Bound Individuals: PROM exercises are beneficial when an individual is left bedridden or wheelchair-bound due to a stroke or accident. In such cases, medical professionals will move the individual's joints and muscles daily, working towards their potential recovery. Family members can also be taught these techniques to assist in the patient's recovery.
• Post-Surgery or Injury: If a person is recovering from surgery or an injury and cannot move their limbs or joints independently, PROM can be advantageous. The therapist or CPM machine moves the joint through its available range of motion, helping to prevent contractures and muscle spasticity.
• Shoulder Stiffness or Flaccid Upper Extremity: PROM is often used to address shoulder stiffness or flaccid upper extremity resulting from a stroke. By gently stretching the joints and muscles, PROM can improve range of motion and prevent further complications.
• Repaired or Broken Extremity: In cases of a repaired or broken extremity, PROM can be a safer option than AROM. It promotes joint and tissue integrity without risking further damage.
• Tendon Repairs: Injuries involving tendon repairs are highly susceptible to scarring. PROM, when performed within safe motion arches, can effectively promote an increased range of motion and decrease scarring, thus preserving AROM for later stages of rehabilitation.

It is important to note that understanding the underlying problem is crucial when deciding between PROM and AROM. While PROM can be beneficial in the mentioned scenarios, there may be situations where AROM is more appropriate to avoid pushing the patient beyond their limits.

When to use AROM for arthritis patients

Active range-of-motion (AROM) exercises are a vital part of arthritis treatment. They help arthritis patients maintain or improve the flexibility of affected joints and surrounding muscles, which in turn contributes to better posture, a reduced risk of injuries, and improved function.

AROM exercises are usually performed 5-10 repetitions on a daily basis. They are particularly beneficial in the morning to get joints moving, and it is recommended that stretching exercises be done at least 4-5 days a week, with each stretch held for about 10-15 seconds.

For arthritis patients, AROM exercises are ideal because they can be evolved as joints get stronger and more flexible. During these exercises, joints can be gently moved as far as they can go. Over time, this helps to reduce stiffness and pain.

It is important to do AROM exercises every day if you have arthritis. They are a great way to help relieve stiffness and pain, especially after being still for long periods, such as first thing in the morning or after sitting at a desk all day.

As a general rule, perform each exercise three to 10 times, but this can be modified to suit individual needs. Move slowly and deliberately, aiming to feel a slight stretch without overdoing it. If an exercise causes pain, stop. Some muscle achiness is normal, but the pain shouldn't feel sharp or severe.

It's always a good idea to consult a doctor about any new exercise routine to ensure it's right for your personal needs.

When to use PROM to prevent contractures

Passive Range of Motion (PROM) exercises are used to increase a person's range of motion, which refers to how far a person can move or stretch a part of their body. PROM is particularly useful for increasing the range of motion in a person's joints, and can be used to prevent contractures.

Contractures are a common complication of neurological and non-neurological conditions, and are characterised by a reduction in joint mobility. PROM can be used to prevent contractures by increasing joint mobility. PROM is especially beneficial when a person has been left bedridden or wheelchair-bound due to a stroke or accident.

PROM exercises are performed by a physical therapist or with the help of equipment, and involve moving a person's joint through a variety of stretching exercises. This can be done when a person is unable to move, in order to work them towards potential recovery.

When to use PROM after surgery

Passive Range of Motion (PROM) exercises are particularly beneficial when a patient is left bedridden or wheelchair-bound after surgery. In such cases, PROM can be used to increase the patient's range of motion or prevent contractures. For example, if a patient has shoulder stiffness or a flaccid UE due to a stroke, PROM can be used.

PROM can also be used when there is a repaired or broken extremity, as it can promote joint and tissue integrity without causing damage. Additionally, in cases where a patient has had a repair, PROM can be used within a safe motion arch to promote range and decrease scarring, thus preserving AROM for when that time comes.

It is important to understand the underlying problem and assess whether performing PROM could cause damage. For instance, in some injuries to the arm, AROM within a pain-free range is recommended instead of PROM.

In summary, PROM can be used after surgery when the patient is bedridden or wheelchair-bound, when there is a need to increase ROM or prevent contractures, and when there is a repaired or broken extremity. However, it is crucial to consider the potential risks and ensure that PROM is safe for the patient's specific condition.

Frequently asked questions