Range of Motion exercise
Chapter 28
RANGE OF MOTION EXERCISES
What You Will Learn
•
The purposes of range of motion exercises
•
Types of range of motion exercises
•
The In-Home Aide’s responsibilities when giving range of motion exercises
•
How to give range of motion exercises according to proper procedure
Purposes of Range of Motion Exercises (ROM)
The musculoskeletal system must be exercised to remain healthy. ROM exercises prevent joints from becoming stiff and contractures (deformities) from developing. ROM exercises allow clients' joints to move more freely and as a result, the clients remain more independent. They prevent the loss of minerals from bones (osteoporosis) and improve circulation. ROM exercises also prevent muscles from losing strength and shrinking
(atrophy).
Types of Range of Motion Exercises
Active ROM means that the client performs the exercises alone or uses a device such as a pulley or bicycle.
Passive ROM means that the exercise is done for the client who is unable to move independently. It involves moving the client's body parts through a series of exercises.
The In-Home Aide’s Responsibilities When Giving Range of Motion Exercises
Always check with the supervisor/nurse and the plan of care for instructions or limitations before starting ROM exercises. Always handle the client gently with open palms. Be aware of the normal ROM for each joint. Support each joint above and below the joint being exercised. This prevents joint pain and possible injury. Exercise as many times as ordered, usually three to five times. Never exercise or stretch a joint to the point of pain. Exercise joints only within the range of easy movement. Always stop the exercise if discomfort, pain, or spasms develop and contact the supervisor/nurse for further instructions.
In addition to regularly scheduled range of motion exercises, exercises can be incorporated into activities of daily living. Allow client to assist in procedure as much as
RANGE OF MOTION EXERCISES
What You Will Learn
•
The purposes of range of motion exercises
•
Types of range of motion exercises
•
The In-Home Aide’s responsibilities when giving range of motion exercises
•
How to give range of motion exercises according to proper procedure
Purposes of Range of Motion Exercises (ROM)
The musculoskeletal system must be exercised to remain healthy. ROM exercises prevent joints from becoming stiff and contractures (deformities) from developing. ROM exercises allow clients' joints to move more freely and as a result, the clients remain more independent. They prevent the loss of minerals from bones (osteoporosis) and improve circulation. ROM exercises also prevent muscles from losing strength and shrinking
(atrophy).
Types of Range of Motion Exercises
Active ROM means that the client performs the exercises alone or uses a device such as a pulley or bicycle.
Passive ROM means that the exercise is done for the client who is unable to move independently. It involves moving the client's body parts through a series of exercises.
The In-Home Aide’s Responsibilities When Giving Range of Motion Exercises
Always check with the supervisor/nurse and the plan of care for instructions or limitations before starting ROM exercises. Always handle the client gently with open palms. Be aware of the normal ROM for each joint. Support each joint above and below the joint being exercised. This prevents joint pain and possible injury. Exercise as many times as ordered, usually three to five times. Never exercise or stretch a joint to the point of pain. Exercise joints only within the range of easy movement. Always stop the exercise if discomfort, pain, or spasms develop and contact the supervisor/nurse for further instructions.
In addition to regularly scheduled range of motion exercises, exercises can be incorporated into activities of daily living. Allow client to assist in procedure as much as