Rheumatoid arthritis is a autoimmune disease that affects the joints, causing pain, stiffness and inflammation -- and often a reduction in normal range of motion. Range of motion is the amount of movement involved with everyday activity, and range-of-motion exercises can relieve joint stiffness, increase flexibility and prevent deformities for arthritis sufferers. A decreased range of motion is indicative of the severity of the arthritis, so check with your doctor about an exercise routine to ease the pain.
Active Range of Motion
Active range of motion exercises, or AROM, are performed by moving your joints to the end range without assistance. These relative simple exercises can improve flexibility in your joints and reduce stiffness. Work your shoulder joint by starting with your arm at your side and slowly lifting your arm till you reach the end limit of motion. When performing AROM exercises, be careful not to overstretch, especially if you have joint inflammation or severe joint pain.
Active-Assistive Range of Motion
Active-assistive range of motion exercises are recommended for people who can move with help or can move but feel joint pain when they do. In this therapy, you exercise your limbs with help from a therapist, who can guide you with his hands or by using bands or other equipment. Active-assistive exercises are done gently to avoid injury, but may cause some discomfort. To improve range of motion, you must move an affected joint beyond the point where it is painful; however, pain should subside once the movement is stopped.
Passive Range of Motion
Passive range of motion exercises are recommended for patients who are bedridden or who use a wheelchair and are unable to perform exercises on their own, according to Drugs.com. In this therapy, a helper moves your muscles through the motions to help you retain mobility and flexibility in the joints. Arrange with your helper to schedule the exercises to fit both your schedules, and try to perform these exercises at the same time every day. Combine relaxation with therapy by doing exercises in the bath or while watching TV.
Member Comments