Range of Motion and Manual Therapy in Physical Therapy

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