special subjects
Physical Therapy (PT)
Range of motion
Limited range of motion impairs function and tends to cause pain and to predispose patients to pressure ulcers. Range of motion should be evaluated with a goniometer before therapy and regularly thereafter. C (see Heat ). There are several types of range-of-motion exercises. Active:This type is used when patients can exercise without assistance; patients must move their limbs themselves. Active assistive:This type is used when muscles are weak or when joint movement causes discomfort; patients must move their limbs, but a therapist helps them do so. Passive:This type is used when patients cannot actively participate in exercise; no effort is required from them. 