Active Range of Motion Exercises
Whether you are recovering from an injury or are confined to bed rest and looking for ways to minimize the damage caused by inactivity, active range of motion exercises are a good place to start. These exercises can help keep your body active and limber throughout difficult medical situations, paving the way for a faster recovery.
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Active Range of Motion Exercises
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Active range of motion exercises are performed entirely by a individual, as opposed to passive range of motion exercises, in which the patient is assisted by a spotter or helper who manipulate their limbs through various activities. Active range of motion exercises can target any area of the body.
Benefits
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The primary benefit of active range of motion exercises is helping a patient retain muscle tone and avoid atrophy, even after prolonged periods of inactivity. The exercises can help increase blood flow throughout the body, promoting mobility even as an individual is immobile or limited in her ability to move.
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Examples
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Active range of motion exercises can be performed on any area of the body. For example, one such exercise involves nothing more than exercising the neck by nodding 10 times and turning the head from side to side 10 times. Another exercise involves bending the elbow to touch the opposing shoulder 10 to 15 times on each side.
Frequency
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To ensure maximum progress, active range of motion exercises should be performed every day. If it suits you better you can break your workload into two or three mini-sessions, and you can even do them while you're watching television or a movie or taking a bath or shower.
Warnings
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When performing active range of motion exercises, remember to go through each movement slowly and completely and never strain or go beyond your normal range of motion. In addition, stop immediately if you feel pain and consult with a physician to develop an alternative approach to stay active throughout your recovery period.
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