Overview
Passive range of motion (PROM) is a manual therapy technique where a therapist moves a joint through its full range of motion
Patient is asked to relax their muscles and has no active involvement in the movement
PROM is performed to:
Improve joint mobility for those with limited range of motion
Alleviate pain or discomfort from joint stiffness
PROM can help improve joint flexibility if the issues are from soft tissues (muscles, tendons, ligaments, joint capsule)
When to Use
PROM should be performed when a patient has joint stiffness, such as due to:
Associated muscle weakness
Period of immobilization
Assess the patient's AROM with a goniometer to determine the patient's baseline and if they have range of motion impairments
Then assess the patient's PROM with a goniometer as well to determine their baseline
If PROM is greater than AROM, this may indicate muscle weakness or muscle dysfunction, pain, or nerve impairments
PROM would be beneficial to perform in this case to maintain joint mobility
If both AROM and PROM are limited, this may indicate joint stiffness, contractures, a bony block, or scar tissue limitations
PROM would be beneficial to perform in this case to help improve joint mobility (unless the ROM limitation is from a bony block)
Technique
Move the targeted joint slowly, gently, and smoothly through its available range of motion
Move the joint to its end range of motion until there is resistance
Patient may feel discomfort but there should be no pain
Hold the stretch at the end of the range of motion for 15-30 seconds
Repeat 3-5 times
Gently return the patient's body part to the starting position
Precautions
Avoid using excessive force
Gradually progress PROM after a patient has been in a period of prolonged immobilization
Monitor the patient for signs of discomfort
Hypermobility
Avoid stretching beyond the joint's normal range
Contraindications
Performing on an unstable joint such as one that is subluxated or dislocated
Performing on a joint with an unhealed or unstable fracture
Infection in the area
References
Nedunsaliyan, S. (n.d.). Passive movements. SlideShare. https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/passive-movements/81958843
Range of Motion. (n.d.). Physiopedia. https://www.physio-pedia.com/Range_of_Motion
Range of Motion: Passive. (n.d.). Hand Surgery Resource. https://www.handsurgeryresource.net/rangeofmotion-passive