PASSIVE MOVEMENTS

 INTRODUCTION:

These movements are produced by an external force during muscular inactivity or when muscular activity is voluntarily reduced as much as possible to permit movements.

 

CLASSIFICATIONS

Relaxed passive movements (including accessory movements)

Passive manual mobilizations techniques

            Mobilizations of joints

            Manipulations of joints

            Controlled sustained stretching of tightened structures

 

SPECIFIC DEFINITIONS-

RELAXED PASSIVE MOVEMENTS – these are movements performed accurately and smoothly by the physiotherapist. A knowledge of the anatomy of joints is required. The movements are performed in the same range and directions as active movements. The joint is moved through the existing free range and within the limits of pain.

ACCESSORY MOVEMENTS – these occur as part of any normal joint movements but may be limited or absent in abnormal joint conditions. They consists of gliding or rotational movements which cannot be performed in isolation as a voluntary movements but can be isolated by the physiotherapist.

 

PASSIVE MANUAL MOBILISATION TECHNIQUES

MOBILISATIONS OF JOINT – these are usually small repetitive rhythmical oscillatory, localized accessory, or functional movements performed by the physiotherapists in various amplitudes within the available range, and under the patient’s control. These can be done very gently or quite strongly, and are graded according to the part of the available range in which they are performed.

MANIPULATIONS OF JOINTS PERFORMED BY

Physiotherapists - these are accurately localized, single, quick decisive movements of small amplitude and high velocity completed before the patient can stop it.

Surgeon/physician – the movements are performed under anesthesia by a surgeon, of physician to gain further range. The increase in movement must be maintained by the physiotherapist.

CONTROLLED SUSTAINED STRETCHING OF TIGHTENED STRUCTURES

Passive stretching of muscles and other soft tissues can be given to increase range of movement. Movement can be gained by stretching adhesions in these structures or by lengthening of muscle due to inhibitions of the tendon protective reflex.

 

PRINCIPLES OF GIVING RELAXED PASSIVE MOVEMENTS

RELAXATION – a brief explanation of what is to happen is given to the patient, who is then taught to relax voluntarily, except in case of flaccid paralysis when this is unnecessary. The selection of a suitable starting positions ensures comfort and support, and the bearing of the physiotherapist will do much to inspire confidence and co- operation in maintaining through the movement.

FIXATION – where movement is to be limited to a specific joint, the bone which lies proximal to it is fixed by the physiotherapist as close to the joint line as possible to ensure that the movement is localized to that joint; otherwise any decrease in the normal range is readily masked by compensatory movements  occurring at other joints in the vicinity.

SUPPORT – full and comfortable support is given to the part to be moved, so that the patient has confidence and will remain relaxed. The physiotherapist grasps the part firmly but comfortably in her hand, or it may be supported by axial suspension in slings. The latter method is particularly useful for the trunk or heavy limbs, as it frees the physiotherpist’s hands to assist fixation and to perform the movement. The physiotherapist’s stance must be firm and comfortable. When standing, her feet are apart and placed in the line of the movement.

TRACTION – many joints allow the articular surfaces to be drawn apart by traction, which is always given in the long axis of a joint, the fixation of the bone proximal to the joint providing an opposing force to a sustained pull on the distal bone. Traction is thought to  facilitate the movement by reducing interarticular friction.

RANGE – the range of movement is as full as the condition of the joints permits without eliciting pain or spasm in the surrounding muscles. In normal joints slights over pressure can be given to ensure full range, but in flail joints care is needed to avoid taking the movement beyond the normal anatomical limit.

As one reason for giving full-range movement is to maintain the extensibility of muscles which pass over the joint, special consideration must be given to muscles which pass over two or more joints. These muscles must be progressively extended over each joint until they are finally extended to their normal length over all the joints simultaneously, e.g. the Quadriceps are fully   when the hip joint is extended with the knee flexed.

SPEED AND DURAION – as it is essential that relaxation be maintained throughout the movement, the speed must be uniform, fairly slow and rhythmical. The number of times the movement is performed depends on the purpose for which it is used.

 

EFFECTS AND USES OF RELAXED PASSIVE MOVEMENTS

Adhesion formation si prevented and the present free range of movement maintained. One passive movement, well given and at frequent intervals, is sufficient for this purpose, but the usual practice is to put the joint through two movement twice daily.

When active movement is impossible, because of muscular inefficiency, these movements may help to preserve the memory of movement patterns by stimulating the  receptors of kinaesthetic sense.

When full-range active movement is impossible the extensibility of muscle is maintained, and adaptive shortening prevented.

The venous and lymphatic return may be assisted slightly by mechanical pressure and by stretching of the thin-walled vessels which pass across the joint moved. Relatively quick rhythmical and continued passive movements are required to produce this effect. They are used in conjunction which elevation of the part to relieve oedema when the patient is unable, or unwilling, to perform sufficient active exercise.

The rhythm of continued passive movements can have a soothing effect and induce further relaxation and sleep. They may be tried in training relaxation and, if successful the movement is made imperceptibly and progressively slower as the patient relaxes.

 

PRINCIPLES OF GIVING ACCESSORY MOVEMENTS

The basic principles of relaxation and fixation apply to accessory movements as to relaxed passive movements. Full and comfortable support is given and the range of the movement is as full as the condition of the joint permits. They are comparatively small movements.

EFFECTS AND USES OF ACCESSORY MOVEMENTS

Accessory movements contribute to the normal function of the joint in which they take place or that of adjacent joints.

In abnormal joint conditions there may be limitations of these movements due to loss of full active range caused by stiffness of joints from contracture of the soft tissue, adhesion formation or muscular inefficiency. Accessory movements are performed by the physiotherapist to increase an lost range of movement and to maintain joint mobility. Hence they form an important part of the treatment of a patient who is unable to perform normal active movement.

 

PRINCIPLES OF PASSIVE MANUAL MOBILIZATIONS AND MANIPULATIONS

Manipulations performed by a surgeon or physician are usually given under a general or local anaesthetic which eliminates pain and protective spasm, and allows the of greater force. Even well-established adhesions can be broken down; but when these are numerous, it is usual to regain full range progressively, by a series of manipulations, to avoid excessive trauma and marked exudation. Maximum effort on the part of the patient and the physiotherapist must be exerted after manipulation to maintain the range of movement gained at each session, otherwise fibrous deposits from the inevitable exudation will form new adhesions.

PRINCIPLES OF GIVING CONTROLLED SUSTAINED STRETCHING OF TIGHTENED STRUCTURES

The patient is comfortably supported and as relaxed as possible in an appropriate position. With suitable fixation the part  is grasped by the physiotherapist and moved in such a way that a sustained stretch can be applied to the contracted structures for a period of time within a functional pattern of movement. Mechanical means can be used, e.g. turnbuckle plaster

EFFECTS AND USES OF CONTROLLED SUSTAINED STRETCHING

Steady and sustained stretching may be used to overcome spasticity patterns of limbs, e.g. a hemiplegic patient. The slow stretch produces a relaxation and lengthening of the muscle.

A steady and prolonged passive stretch can overcome the resistance of shortened ligaments, fascia and fibrous sheaths of muscles as, for example, in controlled stretching and progressive splintage of talipes equinovarus.

THOSE ABOVE ARE COLLECTED FROM SOME BOOKS AND WEBSITES..

(The Principles of Exercise therapy - M. Dena Gardiner)

THANK YOU,

SRIKUMARAN PHYSIOTHERAPY CLINIC & FITNESS CENTER