Gastrocnemius Tendinopathy | Physiotherapy for Pain Relief, Stiffness, and Tightness in the Calf Muscle | Blog by CB Physiotherapy, Active Healing for Pain Free Life.

Gastrocnemius tendinopathy, a condition affecting the calf muscles, is not just a discomfort felt by athletes. It’s a debilitating issue that can significantly impact one’s mobility and quality of life. From persistent pain to limitations in movement, individuals grappling with this condition often find themselves seeking effective treatments to alleviate their symptoms and restore functionality. Among the various therapeutic approaches available, physiotherapy stands out as a cornerstone in the management of gastrocnemius tendinopathy, offering a holistic and tailored approach to recovery.

Understanding Gastrocnemius Tendinopathy

Before delving into the role of physiotherapy, it’s essential to grasp the nature of gastrocnemius tendinopathy. This condition primarily affects the gastrocnemius tendon, one of the primary tendons in the calf muscles. Overuse, repetitive strain, sudden increases in physical activity, or inadequate warm-up routines can all contribute to the development of tendinopathy.

Gastrocnemius tendinopathy manifests through various symptoms, including localized pain, tenderness, stiffness, swelling, and reduced range of motion in the ankle joint. Activities such as walking, running, or even climbing stairs can exacerbate these symptoms, making daily tasks challenging for those affected.

The Role of Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy plays a pivotal role in the management of gastrocnemius tendinopathy, offering a comprehensive approach to address both the symptoms and underlying causes of the condition. Here’s how physiotherapy interventions can benefit individuals dealing with this ailment:

1. Comprehensive Assessment:
Physiotherapists begin by conducting a thorough assessment to understand the extent of the condition and identify contributing factors. This assessment may include evaluating gait patterns, muscle strength, flexibility, joint range of motion, and biomechanics. By pinpointing specific areas of weakness or dysfunction, physiotherapists can tailor treatment plans to suit each individual’s needs.

2. Pain Management:
Managing pain is a primary goal of physiotherapy for gastrocnemius tendinopathy. Various modalities such as ice therapy, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, laser therapy, and manual techniques like soft tissue mobilization may be employed to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation in the affected area.

3. Strengthening and Flexibility Exercises:
A structured exercise program targeting calf muscles and surrounding musculature is crucial for restoring strength, flexibility, and function. Physiotherapists prescribe exercises tailored to each individual’s abilities and goals, gradually increasing intensity and resistance as tolerated. Strengthening exercises not only improve muscle function but also help stabilize the affected tendon and prevent future injuries.

4. Manual Therapy:
Hands-on techniques such as massage, joint mobilization, and stretching are integral components of physiotherapy treatment for gastrocnemius tendinopathy. These manual therapies help release tension, improve tissue mobility, and enhance blood flow to the injured area, facilitating the healing process.

5. Functional Rehabilitation:
Beyond addressing pain and dysfunction, physiotherapy emphasizes functional rehabilitation to ensure individuals can resume their daily activities and return to sports or recreational pursuits safely. This may involve sport-specific training, balance exercises, proprioceptive drills, and activity modifications tailored to each person’s unique needs and goals.

The Importance of Patient Education and Self-Management

In addition to hands-on treatment and therapeutic exercises, patient education plays a crucial role in managing gastrocnemius tendinopathy. Physiotherapists educate individuals about their condition, including contributing factors, proper footwear, ergonomic adjustments, and strategies for injury prevention. Empowering patients with knowledge and self-management techniques enables them to take an active role in their recovery journey and make informed decisions regarding their health.

Gastrocnemius tendinopathy can significantly impact an individual’s daily life, but with the right approach, recovery is possible. Physiotherapy offers a comprehensive and personalized approach to managing this condition, addressing pain, restoring function, and promoting long-term healing. Through a combination of therapeutic modalities, exercises, manual techniques, and patient education, physiotherapists play a vital role in helping individuals regain mobility, alleviate symptoms, and return to the activities they love.

If you or your loved one is struggling with gastrocnemius tendinopathy, our dedicated team is ready to support your journey toward recovery. Contact us to schedule a physiotherapy appointment and discover how you can enhance your rehabilitation.

Revolutionizing Rehabilitation | Advancements In Physiotherapy For Flaccid Paralysis Recovery

 

Flaccid paralysis, a condition characterized by the loss of muscle tone and voluntary movement due to damage in the peripheral nervous system, can be a devastating diagnosis for patients. It can result from various causes, such as spinal cord injuries, peripheral nerve damage, or certain medical conditions. While traditional physiotherapy methods have proven effective in managing flaccid paralysis to some extent, advances in the field are opening up new avenues for more targeted and innovative treatment approaches, that help to regain strength and mobility.
 

Understanding Flaccid Paralysis:

Flaccid paralysis occurs when the motor neurons responsible for transmitting signals from the brain to muscles are damaged or disrupted. This disruption can lead to a lack of muscle activation, weakness, and even loss of reflexes. The impact of flaccid paralysis can vary depending on the extent and location of nerve damage. Patients with this condition often experience difficulty performing everyday tasks, a decrease in muscle mass, and the potential for joint contractures due to immobility.

Conventional Physiotherapy Approaches:

Traditional physiotherapy techniques have long been employed to address flaccid paralysis. These approaches focus on maintaining joint range of motion, preventing muscle atrophy, and promoting circulation. Range of motion exercises, passive stretching, and gentle mobilization are commonly used to prevent joint contractures and maintain the flexibility of muscles and tendons.
However, these methods may fall short of addressing the underlying neural damage and restoring functional movement. This has prompted researchers and physiotherapists to explore more advanced techniques that can directly target neuroplasticity—the brain's ability to reorganize and adapt in response to injury.
 

Neuroplasticity and Advanced Physiotherapy:

Neuroplasticity lies at the heart of modern advancements in physiotherapy for flaccid paralysis. This phenomenon offers hope by indicating that the brain can create new neural pathways, allowing patients to regain some lost function. Advanced physiotherapy treatments capitalize on this potential, facilitating the rewiring of neural circuits and aiding in functional recovery.

Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES):

FES involves the application of electrical currents to paralyzed muscles to generate contractions. This technique not only prevents muscle atrophy but also encourages neural pathways to reactivate, fostering muscle re-education. FES can be used to assist with walking, gripping objects, and even bladder control. By repeatedly activating muscles, the brain learns to regain control over them, improving the overall quality of life for patients.

Task-Specific Training:

Task-specific training involves practicing specific tasks repeatedly to rewire neural connections. This approach focuses on meaningful activities that the patient wishes to regain, like reaching for objects, standing, or walking. The principle behind this therapy is that repetition and targeted training can lead to the formation of new neural pathways, bypassing damaged areas and restoring movement to a certain degree.

Virtual Reality (VR) and Gaming:

Incorporating technology such as virtual reality and gaming into physiotherapy can engage and motivate patients while promoting neuroplasticity. VR systems create immersive environments that encourage patients to perform tasks they may have thought impossible due to their paralysis. These activities stimulate the brain and promote motor relearning, making rehabilitation both effective and enjoyable.

Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT):

CIMT involves restraining the unaffected limb while intensely training the affected limb. By limiting the use of the functional limb, patients are compelled to use the weakened limb, stimulating neural pathways and gradually improving its strength and control. This method challenges the brain to adapt and rewire, promoting functional recovery.

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES):

NMES targets specific muscles with controlled electrical impulses, promoting muscle contraction and improving strength. It also aids in preventing muscle atrophy and supports functional re-education of the affected muscles. NMES is particularly valuable when combined with traditional physiotherapy exercises, enhancing the overall treatment outcomes.

While these advanced physiotherapy techniques offer promising results, it's important to note that flaccid paralysis is a complex condition, and recovery can vary from person to person. Additionally, the success of these approaches may depend on factors such as the severity of the paralysis, the patient's dedication, and the expertise of the physiotherapist.

As technology continues to evolve and our understanding of neuroplasticity deepens, the potential for developing even more innovative treatments for flaccid paralysis remains high. Advanced physiotherapy treatment for patients with flaccid paralysis is paving the way for a more hopeful future. These approaches not only aid in preventing secondary complications but also tap into the brain's remarkable ability to adapt and heal.

Functional Training | How Physiotherapy Translates To Real-life Movements?

 

In today's fast-paced world, physical fitness is not just about doing cardiovascular exercises or hitting the gym for a few hours each week. It's about being able to perform everyday tasks with ease, preventing injuries, and maintaining a high quality of life. This is where functional training comes into play. Derived from the principles of physiotherapy, functional training focuses on improving movement patterns and enhancing overall functionality in real-life situations. In this blog post, we will explore the relationship between physiotherapy and functional training, and how the latter translates to real-life movements.

Physiotherapy, also known as physical therapy, is a healthcare profession that aims to enhance physical function and quality of life through assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of various musculoskeletal and neurological conditions. Physiotherapists utilize a wide range of techniques and exercises to address specific impairments and restore optimal movement and function in their patients. These techniques often involve a combination of strength training, flexibility exercises, balance training, and functional movements.

Functional training, on the other hand, takes the principles and exercises used in physiotherapy and applies them to a broader audience. It focuses on training the body to perform movements that are natural and essential for everyday activities. The goal of functional training is to improve coordination, balance, strength, stability, and mobility, enabling individuals to carry out their daily tasks more efficiently and with reduced risk of injury.

One of the core concepts of functional training is the principle of specificity. This principle states that the body adapts to the specific demands placed upon it. In other words, if you want to get better at performing a particular movement or activity, you need to train in a way that closely mimics that movement or activity. This principle is at the heart of physiotherapy, where therapists design exercise programs that target the specific functional goals of their patients.
For example, if a patient is recovering from a knee injury and wants to regain the ability to climb stairs without pain, the physiotherapist will likely incorporate exercises that focus on strengthening the muscles around the knee joint, improving balance, and enhancing the overall stability of the lower limbs. These exercises may include squats, lunges, step-ups, and single-leg balance drills. By repeatedly practicing these movements in a controlled and progressive manner, the patient can build strength and confidence, eventually being able to climb stairs with ease once again.

The beauty of functional training lies in its ability to translate these principles and exercises into everyday life. Unlike traditional gym workouts that often involve isolated muscle movements or machines, functional training incorporates multi-joint movements that engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously. This reflects the way our bodies naturally move in real-life situations.

Think about activities like picking up groceries, carrying a toddler, or reaching for something on a high shelf. These tasks require a combination of strength, coordination, balance, and mobility. Functional training mimics these movements by incorporating exercises such as squats, deadlifts, overhead presses, and rotational movements, which target multiple muscle groups and promote better overall functional fitness.

By training in a functional manner, individuals can improve their performance not only in the gym but also in their daily lives. They become more efficient at carrying out common tasks and are better equipped to handle physical challenges or unexpected movements. Functional training also helps to prevent injuries by strengthening the body in a holistic manner, improving stability, flexibility, and muscular balance.

In addition to the physical benefits, functional training also has positive effects on mental well-being. Engaging in functional movements that mimic real-life tasks can boost confidence, increase body awareness, and enhance overall body satisfaction. The sense of accomplishment and improved self-esteem gained through functional training can have a profound impact on one's mental health and overall quality of life.

 

Managing Foot Drop In Spondylolisthesis | Effective Physiotherapy Techniques For Improved Mobility And Quality Of Life

Foot drop and spondylolisthesis are two conditions that can have a significant impact on a person's ability to walk and carry out daily activities. While they may seem unrelated at first glance, foot drop is actually a common symptom of spondylolisthesis, a condition in which a vertebra in the spine slips out of place and onto the vertebra below it. This can cause nerve compression in the spinal canal, which can lead to a variety of symptoms, including foot drop. In this blog post, we will explore how spondylolisthesis can lead to foot drop, and how physiotherapy can help to treat these conditions.

The peroneal nerve, which controls the muscles that lift the foot, runs through the lower back and can be affected by the compression of the spinal nerves. This can cause weakness or paralysis of the muscles that control the foot, making it difficult or impossible to lift the foot upward.
In addition to nerve compression, spondylolisthesis can also cause muscle imbalances in the legs, which can contribute to foot drop. When the vertebrae in the spine shift out of place, the muscles that support the spine may become imbalanced, leading to weakness or tightness in the muscles of the legs. This can affect the way the foot is lifted and controlled, leading to foot drop.
Spondylolisthesis can also cause changes in gait and posture, which can contribute to foot drop. When a person's posture is altered due to spondylolisthesis, the muscles in the legs may be under more strain, leading to weakness or fatigue. This can affect the ability to lift the foot and control it during walking, leading to foot drop.

In some cases, foot drop may be the first sign of spondylolisthesis, alerting the patient to the presence of the condition. It is important to seek medical attention if you experience foot drop, as it may be a symptom of a more serious underlying condition There are other treatments that can help to manage the symptoms of spondylolisthesis and foot drop. These may include the use of braces or orthotics to support the affected area, medications to manage pain and inflammation, and lifestyle changes such as weight loss and exercise. In severe cases of spondylolisthesis, surgery may be necessary to relieve pressure on the nerves in the spine. This can help to alleviate symptoms such as foot drop and prevent further nerve damage. However, surgery is usually considered a last resort and is only recommended when other treatments have been ineffective.

Role of Physiotherapy
Treatment for spondylolisthesis and foot drop often involves physiotherapy to address the underlying causes of the conditions. Physiotherapy can help to improve muscle strength, flexibility, and control, as well as address any postural imbalances or gait abnormalities. This can help to alleviate the symptoms of foot drop and prevent further damage to the nerves or muscles in the affected area. Physiotherapy can be a very effective treatment for spondylolisthesis and foot drop.
In the case of spondylolisthesis, a physiotherapist can design a customized treatment plan that addresses the patient's specific needs and goals. The treatment plan may include stretching and strengthening exercises to improve the flexibility and strength of the muscles in the affected area. This can help to reduce pain and stiffness, as well as prevent further injury. For foot drop, a physiotherapist may use a variety of techniques to improve muscle function, such as electrical stimulation or gait training.

Specific Physiotherapy Techniques for Spondylolisthesis and Foot Drop
Stretching exercises can help to improve flexibility and range of motion, reducing the stiffness and pain associated with spondylolisthesis. A physiotherapist can design a program of stretching exercises that are tailored to the patient's specific needs and goals.

Strengthening exercises can help to build up the muscles around the affected area, reducing the risk of further injury and improving overall function. A physiotherapist can design a program of strengthening exercises that are appropriate for the patient's age, and fitness level.

Manual therapy techniques are also used to help alleviate the symptoms of spondylolisthesis. For example, spinal mobilization techniques can help to restore the natural movement of the vertebrae and alleviate pain and stiffness in the affected area.

Electrical stimulation can be used to activate the peroneal nerve and the muscles that control the foot. This can help to improve muscle strength and control and reduce the risk of tripping or falling. Electrical stimulation can help to activate the muscles that control the foot, thus improving the way that the patient walks, and reducing the risk of tripping or falling.

Gait training is another important aspect of physiotherapy for foot drop. This involves working with the patient to improve their gait pattern, reducing the risk of further injury, and improving overall function. A physiotherapist may use various techniques, such as mirror therapy, treadmill training, and functional electrical stimulation, to help the patient improve their gait and regain their ability to walk normally.

Education and advice are also essential components of physiotherapy for spondylolisthesis and foot drop. A physiotherapist can provide guidance on ergonomics, posture, and safe lifting techniques, helping to prevent further injury and manage symptoms. They may also provide advice on exercises that can be done at home to complement the treatment provided during physiotherapy sessions.

Spondylolisthesis and foot drop can be debilitating conditions that impact a person's ability to walk and carry out daily activities. It is important to seek treatment for spondylolisthesis and foot drop as soon as possible to prevent further damage and ensure the best possible outcome. Living with spondylolisthesis and foot drop can be challenging, but with proper treatment and management, the symptoms of both conditions can be alleviated. It is important to work closely with your physiotherapist to develop a treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and goals, helping you to regain your ability to walk normally and carry out daily activities with ease.

 

Paraplegia | Top 15 Mobility And Balance Exercises To Regain Strength And Function

Movement is the major requirement of the human body, but conditions like paraplegia, hemiplegia, tetraplegia, quadriplegia, etc. don't allow an individual to perform certain movements. Individuals suffering from such conditions should involve themselves in regular exercises and activities, to maintain cardiovascular and metabolic health. Individuals suffering from such conditions are more susceptible to high cholesterol, weight gain, and elevated blood sugar.  In today's blog, we will figure out the various exercises that can be done by paraplegic patients regardless of their condition. 

What is Paraplegia?

Paraplegia or Partial paralysis is a form of paralysis in which function is impeded from below the level of injury. Paraplegic patients have perfectly healthy legs but the problem resides in either their spinal cord or brain, which cannot send or receive signals from or to the lower body due to a disease or an injury.

Paraplegia symptoms can vary significantly from one person to person. A paraplegic is someone who is usually in a wheelchair as he cannot move his legs, and cannot feel anything below the level of injury. The patients cannot walk and can have a range of capabilities that may change over time, as their health evolves, physiotherapy helps them learn to work around their injuries.

An exercise routine can help protect an individual against various health issues and also improve overall health. Exercises lead to greater flexibility and increased energy levels and also helps strengthen the muscles and maximize function. Wheelchair exercises make the patient more flexible and also decrease pain.

Discussed below are a few exercises that can help the patient to develop mobility and balance:

Side Leg Lifts

• Slip the front half of the foot into the loop of the leg lifter. Then, lie on the side so that the foot with the leg lifter is on top of the other leg.
• Pull the strap of the leg lifter gently so that the leg raises to the side. The patient should stop pulling when he starts feeling the body's natural resistance and then hold the position to stretch the inner thigh.
• Continue to lift and drop the leg 15 times, then turn to the other side and repeat with the other leg.

Knees to Chest

• Place the leg lifter on one foot and lie flat on the back. Use one hand to slowly pull the strap towards the upper body and the other hand to bend the knee as it moves up.
• When the knee reaches the torso, use the arms to hold it in place.
• Hold the position for several seconds and then slowly straighten the knee and bring the leg back down. 

Knee Extensions

• The patient places the foot into the leg lifter and then gently pulls so that the knee straightens out.
• Then, bring it back down.
• Do this exercise 15 times.
• Repeat the same exercise with the other leg.

Hamstring Stretch

• The patient sits on the floor with the front half of the foot inside the leg lifter.
• Pull the strap up the body so that the entire leg lifts off the ground. Pull until the patient reaches mild resistance, then hold for 10-15 seconds.

Ankle Rotations

• The patient sits with one leg bent to the side so that he can easily reach the foot. Use one hand to stabilize the ankle while the patient uses the other to move the foot in circles.
• Rotate clockwise direction and counterclockwise direction.

Ankle Pulls

• The patient sits on the floor and places the leg lifter on one foot.
• The legs should be straight and then slowly pull the strap towards the body so that the toes point towards the ceiling.
• Hold for 10-15 seconds and then repeat.

Seated Elliptical

• The patient uses a seated elliptical to help passively exercise the legs.
• The machine connects the arm and leg movements, so by swinging the arms back and forth, the patient promotes cycling motions in the legs.
• As the patient is seated, the legs will not be bearing any weight.

Seated Marches

• The patient is in a seated position, alternate lifting the knees as if the patient is marching. Bring the knees up as high as he can.
• This exercise develops the leg lifting motions necessary to walk again without bearing additional weight on the joints.

Hydrotherapy

• Hydrotherapy helps individuals with paraplegia relieve pressure from the legs by exercising in a pool. Buoyancy is the property of water that helps keep the body afloat and the patient feels light. Walking in a pool removes pressure from the joints and allows the patient to practice standing without bearing much body weight.

Heel Taps

• The patient lies down with his knees bent and feet flat on the ground.
• Gently tilt the torso to the side and tap the heel with the fingertips. Only the upper half of the body should be moving. Then, simultaneously tilt to the other side and repeat.

Sitting on a Stability Ball

• Sitting on a stability ball requires constant adjustment of the center of gravity (COG), which continuously engages the core muscles. With the help of a physiotherapist, sit on a stability ball, and substitute a stability ball for a chair a few times a day to improve balance. To avoid falling, lean the stability ball against a stable surface like the corner of 2 walls before getting on and off.

Stability Ball Crunches

• Once the patient can sit on a stability ball, make the patient lean back and perform crunches. Crunches on a stability ball help to reduce strain on the tailbone.

Knee Planks

• The patient lies on the stomach and gently gets on the knees and forearms, often called a quadruped position.
• The back should create a straight, downwards-sloping line from the shoulders to the knees.
• Hold for 20-30 seconds and repeat.

Gait training exercises: Weight-Bearing Treadmill Training

• Once the patient develops enough control and strength in their legs to bear weight, then exercises that help to develop their gait are recommended. Gait training is a type of exercise training that focuses on developing the ability to walk. These exercises for paraplegia include weight-bearing treadmill training and overground training.
• The patient is made to wear a harness for weight-bearing treadmill training, the harness controls the amount of weight that is placed on the legs, thus reducing the pressure on the joints. Paraplegic patients can focus on improving their walking form by gradually accustoming the legs to add weight until the patient can support the full body weight.

Gait training exercises: Overground Gait Training

• Paraplegic patients can improve their gait by gait training exercise that involves using equipment like parallel bars, walkers, and canes, to maintain balance. These assistive devices teach the patient, how to shift weight and maintain balance.

Muscle mass decreases due to paraplegia, causing muscle atrophy. To prevent or reduce muscle atrophy regular exercise is the most effective way to slow down muscle atrophy and improve blood circulation and metabolism.

 

Range of Motion Exercises: Active, Passive and Assisted

Range of motion is very essential for the normal functioning of our body parts. Range of motion refers to how far one can move or stretch a joint. It is the distance and direction, the joint moves between a bent position and an extended position. This range of motion is restricted in various health problems like inflammation, injury, disease, muscle cramps, ligament strain, etc. The limitation differs from person to person. In this blog, we will throw some light on the various types of range of motion exercises that can be recommended by your physiotherapist to regain the movement and functionality of the affected joint. The physiotherapist designs therapeutic exercises to increase the range of motion and flexibility of the involved joint.

The range of motion exercises refers to the activity that is aimed to improve the movement of the joint. The movement of the joints is influenced by many structures like the bone surfaces within the joint, ligaments, joint capsules, tendons, and muscles acting on the joint. The range of motion exercise is the capability of the joint to go through its complete spectrum of motion.

The range of motion therapy is beneficial in recovery as well as healing from soft tissue and joint lesions, maintaining existing joint as well as soft tissue mobility, minimizing the effects of contracture, increasing synovial movement, and helping in Neuro-muscular re-education.

Regaining the range of motion in the joint is one of the first phases of injury rehabilitation, as well as an individual, can avoid injury and maintain well-being if he is aware of the range of motion exercises (ROM). ‌

The physiotherapist assesses the range and quality of the motion. The treatment plan involves many kinds of range of motion exercises. Among these, the most useful and common exercises are those which increase as well as facilitate a range of motion(ROM). ROM is used by physiotherapists to describe how much motion the patient makes with the joint or the part of the body. When the range of motion is affected, the patient finds it difficult to move the particular body part comfortably around the joint.

The ROM may be affected because of different causes like pulled muscles, sprained joints due to an accident or a sports injury, post-surgical, as well as the general lack of exercise, which may also result in a reduction in the range of motion. The ROM exercises target these injured areas. There are mainly three basic kinds of range of motion exercises for restoring and correcting the range of motion. These types of exercises are designed to treat the kind of problem the patient has and to assist him to rebuild strength as well as the range of motion without doing further damage. Depending on the injury, the patient is asked to do one or a combination of these various types of exercises:

• Passive range of motion.
• Active-assisted range of motion.
• Active range of motion.

 

Passive Range of Motion (PROM)

This is the space in which the part of the body is moved with the help of someone or something creating the movement, such as a physiotherapist or equipment. The patient does not engage himself i.e., the patient makes no effort to move the joint. PROM exercises are beneficial when a situation such as an accident has left the patient bedridden or wheelchair-bound or paralyzed. If the patient cannot move, the physiotherapist will move the patient's muscles and bend his joints for him daily. The physiotherapist may even teach the patient's family members how to help him.

 

Assisted Active Range of Motion (AAROM)

This is the movement that occurs when someone helps the patient to do the movement. For example, an individual sits on a chair and lifts one leg in front of him as far as he can. Another person who may be a therapist or any helper can help the patient stretch his leg more than he would be able to if the leg is flexed by the patient alone by his muscles. The patient uses the muscles around the weak joint to complete stretching exercises with the help of a physiotherapist or equipment. Stretching a little beyond the limit is good for increasing the range of motion. But pushing too far may lead to a muscle tear or damage to a joint, while doing active assisted movement no one should push the patient to the point of pain.

 

Active Range of Motion (AROM)

This is the space in which the part of the body is moved by using the muscles and the effort is made by the individual himself without outside help. With AROM, the patient performs stretching exercises, moving the muscles around the weak joint without any aid. For example, lifting the leg above the hip to stretch the muscles happens within the active range of motion. The active range of motion is performed by holding movements or stretches for at least 30 seconds. By doing this, the strength of the muscles is built needed for a particular movement. The patient is made to do a variety of range-of-motion exercises that challenge his entire body and not a single muscle group alone. AROM exercises, strengthen the muscles when actively engaged in movement. This is good for overall health and improves mobility over time. ‌Range-of-motion exercises are done to maintain mobility and flexibility. In case of stiffness, mobility decreases, and in such cases range of motion, exercises may help regain the lost mobility. For example, if the patient's knee was injured, he must have stopped moving his knee during the immobilization period. Once the knee heals and is ready to bear weight, the patient finds it hard to move. That's because the knee has lost its range of motion due to the lack of use. The patient may bend and extend the knee but does not move to the full range of motion. The physiotherapist can apply pressure to the knee to move it just a little more than the body allows. This stretches the muscle and joints, thus increasing the range of motion.‌ Care should be taken to keep in mind that no range of motion exercise should cause pain also, while using a passive or active range of motion, stretching beyond the limit may cause damage. The patient should listen to his body and stop when he reaches the limit.

The range of motion is the measurement of the motion around a body part or a specific joint. There are established ranges that are considered normal for various joints in a body. For the joint to have a full range of motion, it must have good flexibility and each joint has its level of flexibility, expressed in the degrees.