Range of Motion and Manual Therapy in Physical Therapy

Study Notes

Range Of Motion (ROM) Assessment

Definition: A measurement of the amount of movement in a specific joint or body part
Importance: Helps identify limitations, monitor progress, and develop treatment plans
Methods:
- Goniometry: Uses a protractor-like device to measure joint angles
- Inclinometry: Measures the degree of inclination or declination of a body part
- Visual estimation: Clinician observes and estimates the ROM
- Instrumentation: Uses devices such as electrogoniometers or accelerometers
Key points to assess:
- Active ROM (AROM): Patient moves the joint through its range
- Passive ROM (PROM): Clinician moves the joint through its range
- Resistive ROM: Measures the strength of the joint or muscle

Post-operative Care

Goals:
- Promote healing and tissue repair
- Manage pain and inflammation
- Restore function and mobility
- Prevent complications
Physical therapy interventions:
- Pain management: Modalities such as heat, cold, electrical stimulation, and ultrasound
- Wound care: Promote proper healing and prevent infection
- Range of motion exercises: Gradually increase mobility and strength
- Strengthening exercises: Focus on affected muscles and surrounding areas
- Education: Teach patients proper post-operative techniques and exercises

Manual Therapy

Definition: Skilled hands-on techniques used to promote tissue repair and healing
Techniques:
- Joint mobilization: Gentle, controlled movements to improve joint mobility
- Soft tissue mobilization: Techniques such as massage, rolling, and kneading to promote tissue repair
- Muscle energy techniques: Patient-generated contractions to improve joint mobility and strength
- Trigger point therapy: Targets specific areas of tension to reduce pain and inflammation
Benefits:
- Improves joint mobility and range of motion
- Reduces pain and inflammation
- Enhances tissue repair and healing
- Improves muscle strength and function

Goniometria

Definition: A measurement technique used to assess joint angles and range of motion
Types of goniometers:
- Universal goniometer: A flexible, adjustable device used to measure various joint angles
- Inclinometer: Measures the degree of inclination or declination of a body part
- Digital goniometer: Uses electronic sensors to measure joint angles
Procedure:
- Identify the axis of rotation: The point around which the joint moves
- Align the goniometer: Place the device along the axis of rotation
- Measure the joint angle: Record the degree of movement or angle
Importance:
- Provides objective measurements of joint mobility and range of motion
- Helps identify limitations and monitor progress
- Informs treatment plans and interventions

Description

Assess your knowledge of range of motion (ROM) assessment, post-operative care, and manual therapy techniques used in physical therapy. Learn about different methods and techniques to promote tissue repair and healing.