Understanding Differences in Range of Motion: A Guide for Registered Massage Therapists and Clients

Range of Motion (ROM) is a pivotal concept in the world of physical therapy, chiropractic care, and especially for Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs). As a student studying for the MBLEx, you should have a clear understand the differences of the different types of ROM. ROM refers to the full movement potential of a specific joint. The amount of movement possible can significantly differ between individuals and understanding these nuances can drastically affect the effectiveness of treatment plans.

Bonus: Test your knowledge of ROM with a quiz below!

What is Range of Motion?

In human anatomy, the Range of Motion (ROM) is the complete movement capacity of a joint, typically its scope of flexion and extension. For instance, your elbow joint allows you to fully extend and flex your arm – this represents its ROM.

ROM is usually quantified in degrees, and most joints have a generally accepted normal ROM. For instance, a healthy knee should have a ROM of 0 to 135 degrees, meaning it can extend completely (0 degrees) and flex up to roughly 135 degrees.

Different Types of Range of Motion

There are three primary types of ROM: active, passive, and resisted.

• Active Range of Motion (AROM): The degree of movement a person can achieve unaided at a joint. If a client can lift their arm up overhead without assistance, this demonstrates AROM.
• Passive Range of Motion (PROM): The degree of movement at a joint when the movement is performed by someone else, such as a massage therapist or physiotherapist. If a client can only lift their arm halfway up, but the therapist can move it to a fully overhead position, this demonstrates the client’s PROM.
• Resisted Range of Motion (RROM): This is the degree of movement a person can achieve against resistance. This assessment provides information about the strength and integrity of the muscles and tissues surrounding the joint. If a client can move their arm fully overhead against some resistance, this is indicative of their RROM. A discrepancy between AROM and RROM might signal a muscle weakness or injury.

It’s crucial to note that PROM can often exceed AROM due to muscle weakness, pain, or neurological issues. Conversely, RROM may be less than both AROM and PROM if muscle strength is compromised.

Note: This table showcases approximate values and may slightly differ based on age, gender, and individual differences.

The Role of Massage Therapy in Improving ROM

RMTs aim to help clients optimize their ROM, enhancing their mobility, decreasing pain, and improving their quality of life. Massage therapy can facilitate an increase in ROM by:

• Reducing muscle tension: Overly tense muscles can limit a joint’s motion. Massage therapy can reduce this tension and improve ROM.
• Increasing circulation: By enhancing blood flow to an area, massage can promote healing, reduce stiffness, and increase ROM.
• Reducing pain: If pain limits a client’s active range of motion, massage therapy can help to alleviate the pain, potentially increasing AROM.

Conclusion

Understanding the different types of Range of Motion—Active, Passive, and Resisted—is critical for both RMTs and their clients. Recognizing these differences can aid in formulating effective treatment plans and measuring progress. Moreover, having clients understand these concepts can empower them to participate more actively in their recovery process, leading to better outcomes.

Quiz Time!

1. How does active range of motion (AROM) differ from passive range of motion (PROM)?

A. AROM involves the client moving their body, while in PROM the therapist moves the client's body

B. AROM is only used for strengthening exercises, while PROM is used for flexibility exercises

C. AROM involves the client moving their body using their own muscle power, while in PROM the therapist or another person moves the client's body

D. AROM and PROM are the same, it's just a matter of who initiates the movement

2. Your client has recently undergone shoulder surgery and is in the initial stages of recovery. As an RMT, how would you apply passive range of motion (PROM) in this situation?

A. You would move the client's shoulder joint gently within the pain-free range, observing the joint mobility and any potential restrictions

B. You would ask the client to move their shoulder as much as they can, pushing through the pain if necessary

C. You would avoid moving the shoulder and focus solely on other body parts

D. You would perform intense stretching to improve the shoulder's range of motion

3. When a client cannot achieve the normal AROM for a particular joint, what might this indicate?

A. The client needs more rest

B. The client is not trying hard enough

C. There may be an issue with the joint or the muscles surrounding it

D. The client is not flexible enough

4. A client with arthritis complains of reduced mobility in their wrist. How can you use PROM in your assessment?

A. You would instruct the client to perform push-ups

B. You would gently move the client's wrist, noting the degree of mobility, and any discomfort or pain during the movement

C. You would ask the client to lift heavy weights to test their grip strength

D. You would avoid any movement of the wrist to prevent pain

5. Your client has recently recovered from a knee surgery and wants to evaluate their muscle strength. How would RROM be used in this situation?

A. You would ask the client to resist your movement as you attempt to bend and straighten the knee, assessing their strength and comparing it to the non-operative leg

B. You would ask the client to perform a full marathon to test their endurance

C. You would focus solely on passive range of motion, avoiding any form of resistance

D. You would advise the client to rest and avoid all forms of movement

 Loading...