Limited Range of Motion Explained

At BitFlo, it’s our mission to create products that encourage independence and help make people’s lives easier through our independent living aids like the Thera-Mate Pro. As an all-in-one tool, the Thera-Mate Pro provides assistance with everything from personal hygiene to health monitoring.

While the Thera-Mate Pro is effective in helping a diverse number of people, we’ve found it’s the most useful for those experiencing a limited range of motion or limited mobility. Because of this, we’d like to take a deeper dive into what this condition is and how individuals facing it can lead better lives. Keep reading, then shop now to get your Thera-Mate Pro.

Protractor on joint showing range of motion

What Causes a Limited Range of Motion?

Limited range of motion refers to an individual’s declining ability to move part of their body to its full range of motion. Commonly affected body parts include the shoulders, wrists, hips, and ankles, but any joint in the body can experience limited mobility. It’s typically triggered by trauma or injuries like fractures or sprains, though conditions such as arthritis and cerebral palsy can cause it, too. Age is also a cause because, as a person gets older, their joints naturally become less flexible.

Symptoms of Limited Range of Motion

Due to the nature of a limited range of motion, most individuals can easily tell if they’re experiencing it. The most obvious symptom is the inability to move a joint to its fullest extent, which often leads to pain or stiffness in the affected area. Other symptoms may include joint swelling and inflammation, stiff muscles, decreased strength, and difficulty moving overall.

How Limited Range of Motion Is Diagnosed

If you believe you’re experiencing limited mobility, it’s important to address the problem with your primary care provider as soon as possible. Not only can this problem worsen, but it also makes everyday tasks more difficult, so you’ll want a diagnosis right away.

When diagnosing a limited range of motion, doctors typically start with a physical examination. They’ll assess the affected joints and ask questions such as when the problem started, which areas it’s affecting, and what types of symptoms it’s causing. The doctor will also review the patient’s medical history to determine whether a recent injury contributed to their limited mobility. Depending on the severity of the issue, some doctors may order an X-ray or MRI to confirm their diagnosis.

Tips for Living With a Limited Range of Motion

Unfortunately, a limited range of motion can be a lifelong problem for some individuals. However, it’s still possible to lead a happy and independent life. First and foremost, people with limited mobility can try treatment options such as resting, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy. In extreme cases, surgery on the affected joint could be beneficial.

If you’re dealing with a limited range of motion, there are ways to make your life easier, including:

Using heat and cold therapy to reduce stiffness
Adding the Thera-Mate Pro to your daily routine
Gentle stretching and low-impact exercises
Resting and relaxing whenever possible
Eating a healthy diet to reduce inflammation

If you or a loved one are experiencing limited mobility, just know it’s possible to find relief. Start by speaking with your primary care provider for a diagnosis, then look for ways to successfully manage your condition. By adding the Thera-Mate Pro to your routine as an independent living aid, for example, you’ll have a much easier time handling daily grooming and self-care tasks. Shop now to get yours.

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Tags: limited range of motion limited mobility independent living aids