Range Of Movement Exercises - Physiotherapy - Treatments

Range of movement exercises are exercises that are given for a specific joint where there is a decreased amount of movement. These exercises can be assisted by gravity, assisted by yourself (e.g. the movement is performed to the achievable range, and then additional pressure is applied by another part of the body such as your hands to achieve a greater range), assisted by another person, done within water and assisted by an external machine.

Range of Movement Exercises

What are the benefits of Range of Movement Exercises?

• Increase movement at a joint
• Increase the function of a joint and the whole limb
• Improve movement efficiency
• Increase independence
• Decrease pain
• Improve and maintain joint integrity

What does Range of Movement Exercise programmes include?

Range of movement exercises will be prescribed upon the outcome of a physiotherapy assessment. This assessment will look at the range and the quality of the movement. Quite often strengthening exercises are prescribed alongside or shortly after range of movement exercises as the increased movement at a joint without increasing the strength could cause a further injury. Range of movement exercise programmes will include:


Passive range of movement exercises - where another person or another body part completes the full movement without muscle activation


Auto-assisted range of movement exercises – where the muscles complete the movement within the available range and then additional pressure is applied to achieve a few extra degrees.


Gravity assisted range of movement exercises – where the movement is done by muscle activation in a position where gravity can assist pull the weight of the limb to the end of the joint’s available range.


Range of movement exercises within water – this can be advise by the physiotherapist as warm water can help to relax the tissues and increase the extensibility of the tissues increasing the achievable range.
The range of movement exercises will be prescribed upon the outcome of the initial assessment and review of the outcome measure. Strengthening exercises may also accompany range of movement exercises.

Experienced physiotherapist applying passive stretches to improve active range of movementAbove: Experienced physiotherapist applying passive stretches to improve active range of movement

Who would benefit from Range of Movement Exercises?

• Arthritic joints
• Resolving ligament sprain- as the tissues will heal and become tight
• Resolving muscle strain – as the tissues will heal and become tight
• Foreign object within the joint
• Post joint surgery
• Acute injury where swelling is present
• Post joint replacement
• Pre-surgery e.g. prior to joint surgery as post surgery will decrease range of movement, therefore the more movement which is available prior to surgery will increase the movement that will be available post surgery

Conclusion

Decreased range of movement at a joint can cause you many problems, ranging from the functional ability of the limb to psychological fears and barriers due to increased pain and decreased function in the past. Physiotherapist can prescribe range of movement exercises which will assist improve the function of the joint and help to alleviate any psychological barriers. This can also help to improve your confidence.