Range of motion restrictions can negatively affect your quality of life. Full range of motion is required for many normal activities such as reaching, walking, bending and looking around. Inability to perform these activities can range from annoying to intensely painful. Procedures to increase range of motion are dependent on the amount and type of restriction. Awareness of your range will allow you to quickly address any problems that you may have.
Stretches
According to the Mayo Clinic, "Stretching improves range of motion of your joints. Good range of motion keeps you in better balance, which will help keep you mobile and less prone to falls--and the related injuries--especially as you age." This basic procedure can also increase range restrictions from shortened muscles and related soft tissue. Proper stretching can help you to avoid injury, as well as improve performance through a maintenance of proper bio-mechanics. Moving your joint through a range until you feel a stretch, and holding for 10 seconds or more, will produce your best results.
Joint Mobilization
Joint mobilization is most often done by a healthcare provider, although she may teach you self-mobilization techniques to use for home treatment. Joint restrictions create a decreased range of motion, which can be addressed through several techniques. A gentle repetitive motion is known as oscillation. Oscillation is often effective in improving range of motion while alleviating pain associated with restrictions. Specific adhesions, or scar tissue, may be broken by taking the joint to the end point and thrusting. Care must be taken with this manipulation technique to avoid further damage. This may be effective for aligning bone as well, such as the spinal vertebrae.
Manipulation Under Anasthesia
Manipulation under anesthesia is most often used when more basic techniques are not effective. This surgical technique allows the physician to move the joint through the restricted motion, without the pain that would be experienced if you were awake. Range of motion exercises should be initiated soon after surgery to maintain the movement that was gained.
Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy may also be used if other methods fail. This surgical procedure uses a series of incisions, an internal camera and various instruments. Adhesions, or other affected structures, are cut during this procedure allowing for normalized range of motion. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, manipulation and arthroscopy are sometimes used together, with good results.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Stretching: Focus on Flexibility
- Journal of Othropaedic and Sports Physical Therapy: Effect of Anterior vs. Posterior Glide Joint Mobilization on External Rotation Range of Motion in Patients with Shoulder Adhesive Capsulitis
- Healthline: Mobilization and Manipulation
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Frozen Shoulder
