ROM (Range of Motion) is the movement?s width of a limb on a joint. It is
measured by means of a protractor. Each joint has its own physiological
degree of extension and flexion.
In some pathologies, this angle may suffer some alteration. There are specific
exercises that make joints work, according to whether the dog can or cannot
walk:
- active ROM exercises, where the dog can make articular movements so that
it actively participate in the exercise (e.g. seat-stand); - passive ROM exercises, whenever the dog cannot make any movement, as
in paralysis. In this case, the therapist works on the animal mimicking the
correct articular range.
The aim is: avoid losing articular functionality, increase the range, avoid
ankylosis, activate the muscles.