Say Bye to Stiffness: The Best Ways to Increase Your Range of Motion
There can be many reasons a person might have a limited range of motion in a certain part of their body. Injuries, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammation, or osteoarthritis can all lead to stiffness and difficulty with movement. This, in turn, can cause a great impact on a person’s standard of living.
At best, it can cause many minor inconveniences, while at worst it can make doing daily tasks a disaster. If you’re suffering from a restricted range of motion, and you’d like to improve in this area, then this guide can help you. Read on for everything you need to know now.
What Is Range of Motion?
The term range of motion refers to the distance a joint can move and the directions in which it is able to move comfortably. This will differ for different types of people, of course, but there are general parameters that are considered healthy.
If you find yourself falling outside of these healthy parameters, it’s likely that you face many challenges in your day-to-day life. Many people experience issues with their range of motion that go away by themselves after a few days or weeks. However, if your issue persists, then it may be time to seek medical help.
Speak With Your Doctor
In order to determine the best treatment for your particular issue, you’ll need to speak with a medical professional. They will likely ask you questions like:
- When did the problem start?
- Where is it occurring?
- Do you have other underlying conditions?
Once your doctor has made an informed diagnosis, they’ll be able to advise you about your best treatment options.
Range of Motion Exercises
One of the most common recommendations for treatment you’re likely to hear from your doctor is to practice range of motion exercises. They’ll likely refer you to a physical therapist for this treatment.
There are three broad categories of range of motion exercises. These are active, active assistive, and passive. The difference between the three lies in the person or persons responsible for performing each one.
Active assistive exercises rely on your effort and the effort of another person. Active range of motion exercises you can do by yourself. Meanwhile, passive range of motion exercises are administered exclusively by another person.
Therapists sometimes also use a technique known as manual therapy to help with range of motion. In order to restore your range of motion to healthy levels, these are exercises you’ll need to commit to and practice consistently. Failure to do so can result in your situation and symptoms becoming worse.
Get Moving Today
If you’re struggling with a limited range of motion in a specific part of your body, it can be a frustrating experience. But if you’re an eligible candidate, there are things you can do to help! Speak with a medical professional today to see what your options are.
If you’re looking for more medical insights and advice, we’ve got plenty. Don’t hesitate to check out the rest of the content on our site now.
