Range of motion, or ROM, is a term used to describe how well a part of your body can move in the direction it’s supposed to. When you’re injured or undergo surgery, your range of motion could be limited temporarily. Physical therapy aims to help you increase your range of motion while you heal. Read on to learn more.
What is Range of Motion?
The measurement of movement around a body part or joint is called your range of motion. It involves both the distance a joint can move and the direction it can move. Various joints and body parts have established normal ranges of motion. A physical therapist uses the normal ranges to gauge your current situation after surgery or an injury. For a joint to achieve a full and optimal range of motion, it must be flexible. Your flexibility can be severely limited after injuring a joint or undergoing surgery. Therefore, your range of motion will also be limited.
How can Physical Therapy help your range of motion?
During Physical Therapy, your therapist will help you perform range of motion exercises. These exercises are designed to help the specific joint allow movement to promote healing and protect against further injury. Most of these exercises are very gentle, and your therapist will never push you to the point of causing unnecessary pain. However, when you begin range of motion exercises, there could be soreness and discomfort. Consistent physical therapy increases your range of motion, helps you heal faster, and gets you back to your everyday activities.
Are you ready to improve your range of motion with physical therapy? Come see our experienced therapists at Activity First. No matter what your range of motion goals are, we can help you achieve them!