Phase 2: Restore Range of Motion
This phase includes restoring range of motion and flexibility to the
injured area. An instrument that can be used to assess this is a goniometer.
Prior to these exercises, it is recommended that cryotherapy or thermotherapy be used along
with friction massage or joint mobs.
Active Range of Motion (AROM) - Active ROM exercises are when the athlete moves a limb by himself
causing a contraction and relaxation of the muscle fibers. These exercises should be painless.
During the early phases of rehabilitation, these exercises can be performed in a cold whirlpool (cryokinetics).
For example, an athlete with a sprained ankle may spell out the alphabet while having their foot is a warm whirlpool.
Passive ROM (PROM) - Passive ROM exercises are performed when the athletic trainer moves the limb through its
range instead of the individual. This type of range of motion prevents joint changes and promotes healing by preventing scar tissue
from adhering to the fibrils. Limited passive ROM, also known as hypomobility can be restored through joint mobilizations. Passive
ROM can also be done by machine by as well. An example of this would be a CMU machine, which is used for
post-surgery ROM.
Active Assisted ROM (AAROM) - Active Assisted ROM exercises are performed when the athlete needs some
assistance from a trainer or machine in order to attain full range of motion.
Resistive ROM (RROM) - This type of ROM is performed when the trainer applies resistance to the body
part as the athlete moves it. You can learn more about this type of ROM through the Muscular Strength section.
When applying ROM exercises, it is important for the trainer to remember the following techniques:
Place athlete in a comfortable position to move body through a ROM.
Make sure athlete has proper alignment.
Free area from restrictive items. (i.e. braces)
Position yourself so that proper body mechanics can be used.
Make sure the trainer controls the movement - stabilize distal area of the joint.
If joints are painful, you might modify ROM.
Stabilize joints with poor structure intergrity.
Always move segment through its complete painfree ROM.
Do the motions very smoothly.
Do ROM in anatomical ranges.
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