Performing Arom And Prom: Benefits For Postpartum Patients

Passive Range of Motion (PROM) and Active Range of Motion (AROM) exercises are crucial for patients to enhance joint function and relieve chronic orthopedic problems. PROM involves moving a joint through a variety of stretches by a physical therapist or equipment, with no voluntary muscle contraction from the patient. AROM, on the other hand, is performed by the patient, who moves the muscles around a weak joint without any external aid. These exercises are essential for improving functional mobility, assessing joint flexibility, and enhancing the overall well-being of individuals with restricted range of motion due to various health issues.

To increase range of motion and prevent contractures

Range of motion (ROM) refers to the distance and direction a joint can move between a flexed (bent) and an extended (stretched) position. It also refers to therapeutic exercises designed to increase this distance in a joint's movement.

Passive range of motion (PROM) is when the client applies no effort to move the joint, and it is moved through a variety of stretching exercises by a physical therapist or with the help of equipment. PROM is usually performed when the patient is unable or not permitted to move the body part. It is often used to increase the range of motion and prevent contractures.

Active-assisted range of motion (AAROM) is when the client uses the muscles around a weak joint to complete stretching exercises with the help of a physical therapist or equipment.

Active range of motion (AROM) is when the client performs stretching exercises, moving the muscles around a weak joint without any aid. AROM exercises are often used in physical therapy to improve the range of motion of a joint that has been injured or restricted.

Passive ROM exercises help keep a person's joints flexible and can be done every day or as often as directed by a healthcare provider. Regular movement helps prevent contractures, which are severely tightened joints and muscles. During these exercises, it is important to move the person slowly, gently, and smoothly, avoiding fast or jerky motions. Each joint should be moved as far as it will go, to the point of resistance, and then returned to a resting position.

AAROM and AROM exercises can also help increase the range of motion and prevent contractures. AROM exercises can help strengthen the muscles around a joint, improving stability and preventing further injury. They can also increase the flexibility of the tissues around a joint, reducing the risk of injury.

Overall, PROM, AAROM, and AROM exercises can all be effective in increasing the range of motion and preventing contractures in patients with joint issues.

To preserve movement

Passive Range of Motion (PROM) and Active Assisted Range of Motion (AAROM) exercises are performed with patients to preserve movement and prevent the loss of joint function.

Range of motion refers to the distance and direction a joint can move between a flexed (bent) and extended (stretched) position. It is the arc of motion available at a single joint or series of joints. It is the extent to which a body part can be moved around a joint or fixed point.

Several factors can restrict a person's range of motion, including problems with body mechanics, disease, and injury. Restricted range of motion can be addressed through PROM and AAROM exercises.

PROM exercises are performed by a physical therapist or with the aid of equipment, and they involve moving the patient's joints through a variety of stretching exercises without any voluntary muscle contraction from the patient. The goal of PROM is to maintain the elasticity of muscles and connective tissues, enhance synovial movement, decrease pain, and assist in healing after injury or surgery. PROM is particularly useful when a patient is unable or not permitted to move a body part actively, such as in cases of shoulder stiffness or flaccid UE due to a stroke.

AAROM, on the other hand, involves the patient using the muscles around a weak joint to complete stretching exercises with the assistance of a physical therapist or equipment. This type of exercise is useful when a patient needs assistance due to weakness, pain, or changes in muscle tone.

By performing PROM and AAROM exercises, therapists can help patients preserve their range of motion, prevent contractures (severely tightened joints and muscles), and maintain joint flexibility and tissue integrity. These exercises are crucial for patients to maintain their functional mobility and perform daily activities.

To promote joint and tissue integrity

Passive Range of Motion (PROM) is a technique used to promote joint and tissue integrity. PROM is performed when a patient is unable or not permitted to move a body part actively. This could be due to a repaired or broken extremity, where active range of motion (AROM) can cause damage, whereas PROM can be safe and promote joint and tissue integrity.

PROM is the range of movement achieved when an outside force exclusively causes joint movement. It is performed by a therapist without assistance from the patient. PROM provides information about the integrity of the joint surfaces, extensibility of the joint capsule, and the surrounding ligaments, muscles, fascia, and skin. It is typically greater than AROM due to the stretch of the tissues surrounding the joint and the reduced bulk of relaxed muscles compared to contracting muscles.

PROM is used to increase the range of motion and prevent contractures. For example, if a patient has shoulder stiffness or a flaccid UE due to a stroke, PROM is recommended. It is also used to maintain the elasticity of muscles and contractures, assist circulation, enhance synovial movement, decrease pain, and assist in healing after injury or surgery.

The goal of PROM is to maintain the ability of joint and connective tissue, decrease the complications of immobilization, and teach active range of motion. It is important to understand the underlying problem and whether performing PROM could cause damage.

To prevent further damage

Passive Range of Motion (PROM) and Active Range of Motion (AROM) exercises are performed with patients to prevent further damage and preserve movement. PROM and AROM are therapeutic exercises designed to increase the distance in a joint's movement.

Passive Range of Motion (PROM) exercises are performed by applying an external force to move the joint through a variety of stretching exercises. This can be done by a physical therapist or with the help of equipment. PROM is used to increase the range of motion or prevent contractures, which are severely tightened joints and muscles. By performing PROM, the patient can prevent further damage by maintaining the elasticity of muscles and connective tissues, assisting circulation, enhancing synovial movement, and decreasing pain.

Active Range of Motion (AROM) exercises, on the other hand, are performed by the patient themselves, moving the muscles around a weak joint without any aid. AROM is controlled by muscle contraction and flexion, and it is used to determine the extent of an injury and as a key indicator in rehabilitation. By assessing and improving AROM, patients can prevent further damage by strengthening tendons and muscles, improving joint mobility, and increasing circulation.

Both PROM and AROM are important tools in preventing further damage to the patient and promoting recovery. The choice between the two depends on the specific condition and goals of the patient. While PROM focuses on maintaining and restoring movement, AROM also targets the strengthening of muscles and tendons.

To reduce pain

Reducing pain is a key goal of performing Passive Range of Motion (PROM) and Active Range of Motion (AROM) exercises with patients. These exercises are particularly beneficial for patients with restricted range of motion due to health issues such as arthritis or other diseases.

Passive Range of Motion (PROM) exercises are performed by a physical therapist or with equipment, moving the patient's joint through a variety of stretches without any voluntary muscle contraction from the patient. This type of exercise is often used when the patient is unable or not permitted to move the joint actively, such as in cases of acute inflamed tissue. PROM helps to decrease pain, maintain joint integrity, and enhance synovial movement. It also assists in healing after injury or surgery, as it can promote joint and tissue integrity.

Active Range of Motion (AROM) exercises, on the other hand, are performed independently by the patient. They involve the contraction and relaxation of opposing muscles, resulting in joint movement. AROM can help identify movements that cause pain and the patient's reaction to it. It also aids in determining the patient's willingness to move, ability to follow instructions, attention span, coordination, and muscle strength.

Both PROM and AROM exercises play a crucial role in pain management and rehabilitation, ensuring that patients regain their range of motion while minimising discomfort.

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