Passive and active range-of-motion exercises allow a person's joint to bend to its full natural range through a full cycle of motion. They are also referred to as Range of Motion (ROM) exercises. While active ones are performed by people to improve strength and movement, passive ones are done with the help of an assistant to keep the joints flexible when a person is unable to move them independently.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Set up a Passive ROM Routine
Step 1. Schedule an exercise session every day
This is the recommended amount to prevent severe joint and muscle stiffness, but your doctor may ask you to do them more frequently.
Step 2. Choose a bed or a soft surface on which the patient can lie down
The best foundation is a bed that can be adjusted and adjusted so that the helper does not have to lean forward and strain the back while working on the patient's joints.
- If you need to use a low bed for routine exercise, grab a chair and place it as close to the bed as possible to reduce tension.
- Lock the bed or table to prevent it from moving during the exercises.
Step 3. Ask the patient to relax and take a few deep breaths
It is you who move his limbs, the patient should therefore not feel any effort or feel short of breath.
Step 4. Make sure the patient tells you if they experience more pain during the exercises
In this case, you need to stop them and leave it in a relaxed position until the pain subsides; avoid the exercises that cause suffering and proceed to the next one, if the patient is able to bear it.
Step 5. Make sure he wears comfortable clothing
Some physical therapists recommend doing the exercises in the tub or pool if possible because it improves joint flexibility and relaxes the patient.
Step 6. Support the person's limb or body part with one hand while moving it with the other
Usually, this means placing one under each joint of a limb.
Step 7. Proceed very slowly during each exercise
It is extremely important to move the limb slowly and extend the joint to its full range of motion until the stretch is maintained for a long time.
Step 8. Repeat the exercise on the other side
It is important that it is performed symmetrically.
Part 2 of 3: Upper Body Exercises
Step 1. Start from the neck
Gently turn the patient's head from side to side while supporting their neck with one hand.
Step 2. Support his neck with one arm or forearm as you slowly bend his head from side to side
Make sure you get your ear as close to your shoulder as possible.
Step 3. Tilt the patient's head forward towards the chest
Then return it to a comfortable position.
Step 4. Move your shoulders up and down
Support the elbow with one hand and grab the wrist with the other; lift your forearm forward and over your head and then bring it back to the starting position.
Step 5. Now switch to a lateral movement
Lift your shoulder outward as far as possible and then return it to its original position.
Step 6. Turn your wrist so that your palm faces up
Bend your elbow and then straighten your arm.
Step 7. Keep your elbow relaxed on the bed and support your wrist with one hand
Grab your fingers with the other and bend your wrist back and forth for maximum range of motion.
Step 8. Rotate your wrist by rocking your hand back and forth in a "swaying" motion
Then turn it in one direction and then the other.
Step 9. Hold the patient's hand in yours
Close his fingers into a fist and then reopen them; repeat with each finger individually.
Step 10. Spread your fingers as much as possible
Rotate them in each direction and touch each finger with your thumb.
Step 11. Repeat these shoulder, elbow, wrist, and finger exercises on the opposite side of the body
Part 3 of 3: Lower Body Exercises
Step 1. Support the back of the knee with one hand
Hold the ankle up with the other hand and bend the knee closer to the patient's chest and then straighten it completely.
Step 2. Move your straight leg from side to side
Bring it forward and cross it slightly over the other.
Step 3. Rotate it so that your toes are pointing inward
Then turn it outwards to allow your fingers to point out.
Step 4. Place a rolled-up towel under your knee
Support the ankle with one hand and the foot or fingers with the other; flex your foot and then point your toes forward.
Step 5. Bend the ankle making gentle circular motions in one direction
Then repeat in the opposite direction.
Step 6. Move your ankle so that your toes are directed towards the other leg
Then turn them outward.
Step 7. Curl the toes towards the sole of the foot
Then straighten each individual finger.
Step 8. Space each finger apart as much as possible
Then return them to their natural position.
Step 9. Repeat each exercise with opposite leg, ankle and foot
Advice
- Consult the patient's medical record to detect any joint problems before starting a passive ROM routine; some joints may be stiff due to some injury or surgical procedure.
- If you're short on time, you can split the routine into two sessions, one for the upper body and one for the lower body.
