When to do ROM?

[Aaron D]

I'm about 4 mths into my year long program. We've learned many ROM exercises. I think while I was being taught all this, I was so intent on the techniques that I totally missed out on some important info....as in....

When do I know to do ROM exercises on a client? How would I know that just massage and some trigger points wouldn't suffice?

My mother is paralyzed on her right side. I know she needs ROM exercises and why. But if someone comes to me for a massage, and just says "Yeah my *whatever* is sore"....how do I know whether or not to do ROM? *sigh* Please let me know how you usually handle this. I'd ask my teacher but I'm afraid I'll get the "Uh, where have you been for the last 4 months!" LOL

oh oh oh...and further more...when do I know NOT to use ROM? thanks for your help

 

[qdb]

First of all, DON'T BE AFRAID TO ASK! Instructors know they are cramming a lot of stuff into your head, and they know that some times students are unsure of what to do and when. After all, instructors were students once too! In all likelyhood, if you have that question, there is probably some one else in the class that has the same question. By asking a question, you help yourself and the rest of the class too!

Second, ROM can be used at any time during the massage. The times when I use it most is when a client is complaining of lack of mobility in a certain area. For instance, a client complains that the shoulder is stiff. Perfect time to mobilize that shoulder to the client's ablity! Massaging is great, but some times the muscles need to be challenged a bit, especially when there is a lack of movement of the muscles on a regular basis. You will be surprised at the comments the client gives when you do ROM a bit on them.

The times you would not use ROM is when there is an obvious injury, i.e. broken bones, and in all probablity you wouldn't be massaging them anyway!

Hope that helps!

P.S. Don't forget your muscle mechanics! :wink:

 

[danielle Z]

Thanks dodab. I was gonna add muscle mechanics to this question too lol In school, I am really hesistant asking anyone anything anymore (that's a lot of "any" words lol). Oh sure, everyone is super nice and I know there is no such thing as a stupid question. But it seems that whenever I ask a question, I am met with *crickets chirping* silence...the head cocked to the side...as if I just spoke Martian. lol Or I won't get the answer that really helps *sigh* That's just how it is for me there. Thanks dodab for your help!