Video - Range of motion exercises

Range of motion (ROM) exercises are physical therapy exercises designed to increase movement and joint flexibility. As a healthcare provider, you might be required to assist patients with a range of motion exercises, to help improve a patient's joint stiffness, improve muscle strength and endurance, and reduce the risk of further injury.

There are three main groups of ROM exercises, which are active, active-assistive, and passive. In active ROM exercises, patients move their joints themselves. On the contrary, in active-assistive ROM exercises, patients may require your help to complete the full motion. Finally, in passive ROM exercises, the health care provider or a device moves the joint, without the active participation of the patient.