Passive range of motion exercises are exercises that are done on someone, by someone else. These are carried out by a range of motion CNA because the person is not able to do the exercises on their own.
Anytime these exercises are to be carried out the person’s caregiver should be notified first. If the caregiver was not notified then the exercises should not be done.
Passive range of motion exercise will be very important for someone that needs to remain in a wheelchair or that is not able to get up and get moving. These exercises are going to be very helpful when it comes to keeping joints and muscles flexible and working properly.
It is important to know that blood flow to these areas can always decrease if the exercises are not done the way that they should be done or if they are not done at all. When these exercises are avoided the person may notice that the joints can become stiff and it could become painful when they are moved.
If you are doing these exercises then you should know that they will not help build muscle as that is not the purpose of these exercises.
Those individuals that have a range of motion CNA helping them will find that there are some things that they should do in order to get the largest benefit from these exercises. Here are some things that you should keep in mind:
- It is always best to do these exercises in the same order. That ensures that they are very easy to remember.
- The CNA should always start with the person’s head and then work down towards the patient’s toes.
- Keeping good posture while doing these exercises will protect the CNA and the patient.
- The patient should always be comfortable after each and every exercise. If the patient is not comfortable then it may be best to stop the exercises.
- If it is possible to do these exercises at the same time each day then that is when they should be done.
- It may be better for the patient to break the exercises up into smaller sections. This can help to decrease any fatigue the patient may experience.
Just like any other type of exercises that you may do throughout your life, there are
considerations related to passive range of motion exercises. It will be important to remember these things if you are the patient, caregiver or the CNA.
- These can be used on patients that are able to move as a way to help the person get a great stretch. In fact, there are times when massage therapists may use them.
- It is a lot easier to carry out these exercises when the patient is very relaxed.
- It will be possible for the patient to get a better range of motion when they are fully relaxed.
- The body will also be more receptive to stretching when it is relaxed.
- These exercises should be used along with other exercises to help decrease any patient that the patient may be experiencing.
- Believe it or not, it is often thought that the range of motion will be much greater for someone if heat is added to the area before the exercises are actually started.
- The CNA range of motion specialist will want to take their time while doing these exercises. The patient will get the most out of the exercises this way. They will also avoid any injuries.
- All exercises should be stopped if the patient has expressed that they feel pain.
If you are planning on carrying out these exercises on anyone that you know then you must make sure that the wheelchair or bed is locked in place. Never force these exercises on anyone.
If the patient is complaining of pain then you should stop immediately and let the caregiver know. Be sure that you are in a location that is comfortable for both of you so that you are not rushing through the exercises. This ensures that the patient is getting the most out of the exercises that he or she is doing with you. After all, you want them to be beneficial.
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