Passive, Assisted and Active Range of Motion

What it does

Joints that don't move stiffen, muscles shorten and skin tightens. Regular range of motion work maintains flexibility and comfort, and prepares the limb for active use.

Our physiotherapists use it most often for stroke, quadriplegia and Guillain-Barré syndrome, and it features in our frozen shoulder physiotherapy programmes.

How to do it

1. Passive: the carer supports the limb above and below the joint and moves it slowly through its comfortable range, e.g. bending and straightening the elbow, knee and hip.
2. Assisted: the person tries to move while the carer or a strap helps complete the movement.
3. Active: the person moves the joint unaided.
4. Move each joint slowly, 10 times, never forcing.

How much

Once or twice a day for every affected joint.

Stop and check with us if

• A joint becomes swollen, hot or painful. Heterotopic ossification or injury needs checking.
• The shoulder after stroke hurts during movement. Handle the arm carefully.

Frequently asked questions