Measuring, recording and improving Range of Motion: A Physical Therapist’s Guide

As physical therapists and associated professions, we see individuals with limited joint movement every single day. With the intake of any new patient, we measure active range, passive range, active assistive range, and many more ranges to get to the root of the problem—as well as to record a baseline measurement to determine progress and prevent further injury.

Inevitably, all of this can take time. In fact, many assessments can last anywhere from 45 to 90 minutes when done using traditional methods. But let’s talk more about range of motion. So, why does range of motion matter so much in physical therapy? What exactly do we mean by “range of motion”? In this article, we’ll explore the answers to these questions and more!

What is the definition of range of motion?

There are many different types of range of motion (which we’ll dig into below). But first, what is the common definition for range of motion?

Range of motion refers to the ability of a joint or muscle to move through its complete spectrum of movement. This includes active ROM and passive ROM, with many other subtypes falling below these categorizations.

When performing any assessment, you likely measure joint movements and range of motion of your patient’s injured area, which leads right into the next section of this article.

Why is joint range of motion important?

Adequate joint range of motion allows us to move our bodies with ease and confidence—and without fear of injury or pain. For physical therapists, this data can further provide information such as the severity or cause of pain, and indicate any movement limitations. This can help you determine an appropriate treatment plan that is suited for your patients’ needs, guiding them toward making a full and quick recovery.

From there, you can prescribe range of motion exercises to improve the movement of a particular body part and improve overall function for your patient. On top of this, you can use these measurements to re-assess as treatment progresses and recovery steps are made.

Ultimately, a reduced range of motion can negatively impact your patient’s life, such as interfering with their daily tasks and limiting their ability to participate in the activities they enjoy. Luckily, physical therapy offers an all-natural and non-invasive way to help remedy these issues and help individuals get back to the activities they know and love.

What are the 3 types of range of motion?

The three types of range of motion include:

• Active ROM
• Active assistive ROM
• Passive ROM

In a section below, we’ll define these further and pinpoint the exact differences between them.

What is an example of range of motion?

An example of range of motion includes bending your elbow and bring your hand toward your shoulder. Another example would be bending your knee and bring your heel to touch your buttocks. Without the aid of external force, these examples are known as active range of motion, meaning your muscles contract and relax to achieve movement.

What is the difference between active range and passive range of motion?

Active Range of Motion (AROM)

AROM requires active muscle contraction and relaxation without the assistance of external forces. This means you move your arm in the motion of a bicep curl or you bring your heel to touch your buttocks, without any help.

There is also active assisted range, which is when the majority of the joint ROM is performed by the individual. However, partial assistance, such as a towel or another person, is used to achieve a greater range.

Passive Range of Motion (PROM)

PROM refers to an outside force moving the joint or body part through the full range. For instance, a physical therapist may help their patient achieve maximum range of their hamstring muscle and hip by bringing the patient’s leg straight up and back. This requires the patient to do zero work and no active muscle contraction.

What are some range of motion exercises?

There are various types of ROM exercises. Most of these involve static or dynamic stretching or assisted stretching of a joint. Some common examples include ankle rotations, hamstring stretches, arm circles, shoulder stretches, heel slides, and more.

How is range of motion tested?

In order to measure range of motion, a goniometer is frequently used to determine the angle of a specific joint (which we’ll discuss in more detail in the following section). At the same time, there are special tests that can be used for particular body parts. For example, the hamstring popliteal test can help determine if there are limitations in the knee or hip joint.

What is the tool that measures range of motion?

A goniometer is often used to measure range of motion and determine if a limited range of motion is present. This tool looks almost like something you’d find in your high school geometry set (and it definitely works in a similar way!). Traditionally, there are two arms attached to this tool, one of which is stationary and the other which can be moved for accurate measurement.

How do you use a goniometer?

Using a goniometer begins by placing the center of the goniometer at the center of the joint. The stationary arm remains with the stationary part of the joint. As the other part of the joint is moved through its maximum range, you can move the other goniometer arm to measure the maximum joint angle achieved.

Why use a digital goniometer over a traditional universal goniometer?

The truth is that a traditional goniometer can be very inaccurate. Yet, a digital or electronic goniometer, such as the Halo digital goniometer, has been shown to be accurate to one-tenth of a degree. This can ensure you’re making accurate assessments and measuring accurate progress. In turn, as a physical therapist, you can prescribe the right active ROM exercises or PROM exercises, along with providing an efficient and effective treatment plan.

Additionally, improving the accuracy of range of motion measurements via the use of technology can increase a patient’s trust in the process, as well as enhance the overall patient experience. For a physical therapy clinic, this might translate over into referrals or returning patients if they happen to injure themselves later on down the road.

How do you write ROM measurements?

Most therapists write ROM measurements on their charts in a table. For instance, the table usually indicates each joint’s hyperextension, flexion, extension, and hyperflexion. All you need to do is simply fill it out as you measure (alternatively, the Halo digital goniometer remembers your past five measurements, so you don’t need to do this for every measurement). Inevitably, there are other ways to record ROM. Yet, generally, you want it clearly labeled so that insurance claims can easily be made.

Halo digital goniometer and inclinometer

Widely used traditional goniometers and inclinometers are over 40 years old and provide issues with measurement discrepancies. Finding the right tools and technology to help improve accuracy of ROM measurement is important in a physical therapy practice.

Halo is a digital solution that improves reading accuracy within 1 degree. Our digital goniometer measures range of motion in 3 easy steps, making accuracy available for everyone. The Halo has a triple sensor chip that allows you to measure the planes our bodies move in. Save your last 5 measurements so you don’t need to remember, or interrupt your assessment to write down the result.

Now you can provide your patients a superior level of care that distinguishes you from competitors. Halo is available to buy now on Amazon USA.