Instructions for Range of Motion Exercises

Range of motion determines how far your joints can be moved in a particular direction. Having your patient perform range of motion exercises every day can increase flexibility in his or her joints, and reduce stiffness. Some patients can perform range of motion exercises without help, while others will need the assistance of a caregiver.

Range of Motion Times

• Caregivers can arrange times for the patient to do range of motion exercises. Allow the patient to be part of the planning process, and he will be more likely to participate in the exercises. Patients benefit from doing range of motion exercises at least twice a day. If the patient exercises during bath time, his muscles will be more relaxed in the warm water, and won’t be as likely to cramp up. Since more of the body is exposed, all the joints can be put through their full ranges of motion. Bedtime is a good time to perform the second set of range of motion exercises, so the patient can rest afterward.

  Exercise the joints in sequence, beginning with the neck, and moving down the body. Each joint should be exercised at least three times, and five times if possible. When the patient starts to get tired, stop the exercises. Certain range of motions exercises may have to wait until the patient is in better condition.

Immobile Patients

• If the patient is on bed rest or confined to a wheelchair, range of motion exercises will improve blood flow to her joints, as well as keeping them from locking up. To keep from straining her back, and other muscles, raise the patient’s bed until it’s at a comfortable height for her. Wheels on her wheelchair or bed should be locked.

  Slowly put the patient’s joints through range of motion exercises, and if a joint will no longer bend, apply gentle, but steady pressure until you feel the muscle relax. If the patient is in pain, stop the exercises immediately.

  Once the patient finishes her exercises, make sure that she’s comfortably positioned in her bed or wheelchair before you leave.

Caution

• Performing range of motion exercises increases a patient’s circulation, and demands energy. According to BrooksidePress.org, “With increased demands for circulation, and [the] more energy required, these exercises may be dangerous to patients who suffer from respiratory and heart conditions.”

  Patients who have swollen or painful joints, or any type of muscular injury near a joint, should not put pressure on the joint’s soft tissues by performing range of motion exercises.