The Bethlen Home Messenger, 1995 (1. szám)

1995-09-01 / 1. szám

RANGE OF MOTION (ROM)

by Lynn Kraft, COTA/L

by CJ Artim, DON

Depression in the elderly can be a common prob-Range of Motion (ROM) is the movement of a joint through all appropriate planes. A physician orders a therapist to test and follow through with the.patient.

lem. Depression can often be overlooked, unrecognized or untreated in the Geriatric Population. Signs of Depression can mimic many symptoms related to other diseases, thus making diagnosis and treatment

THE TYPES OF ROM:

challenging for physicians. Geriatric Psychiatrists

1. ACTIVE: (AROM) A resident is able to move his joint through all planes.

specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness in the Geriatric Population. Depression is the most treatable of all mental illness.

2. PASSIVE (PROM) A person moves the resident's joint through all planes.

There are many reasons for depression to develop in the elderly regarding changes in their physical well

3. ACTIVE ASSISTIVE (AAROM) A person and resident aid in moving all joints through the planes.

being, chronic diseases, terminal illness, chronic pain, side effects of medications, loss of loved ones and decreased social interaction.

4. SELF (SROM) The resident moves one plane with the opposite extremity.

Common signs of depression are:

Each joint has a normal (ROM) which may be lost as a result in permanent disability.

• change in mood - sad, withdrawn, anxiety, anger

• lack of energy - tiredness and fatigue

• changes in sleep pattern - insomnia and

Physical therapists, occupational therapists and nurses do Range of Motion (ROM) with the recommendation of a physician.

hypersominia

• changes in eating patterns - weight gain or loss

• difficulty concentrating, remembering or decision

The following conditions may cause a person to have limited (ROM).

making

• aches and pain that won't go away

• fear anxiety

• Stroke

• Physical Inactivity

• Rheumatoid and Osteoarthritis

• Osteoporosis

• Fractures

• Joint Contractures

• crying without cause

• low self esteem

• helplessness

• worthlessness

• thoughts of death or suicide

The goals of (ROM) are:

1. To prevent limitation of ROM.

2. To maintain function and prevent deterioration.

3. To maintain or increase maximal motion of joint.

If you experience several of these symptoms and they persist for over two weeks, please seek the advice of your physician. Depression should not be ignored as it can lead to changes in your ability to function both mentally and physically.

SEPTEMBER

Oh, to know the end of summer With the corn husks getting dry. Goldenrods in roadside splendor Autumn hazes in the sky.

Looking back upon the summer Looking forward to the fall,

With the middle of September The nicest time of all.