Range of Motion (ROM) therapy focuses on the flexibility and movement capacity of the joints and muscles. For children with physical developmental delays, hypertonia (tight muscles), or hypotonia (low muscle tone), limited ROM can hinder their ability to crawl, walk, or even sit comfortably in a school chair. Neurally, the brain needs accurate feedback from the joints (proprioception) to coordinate movement; if a joint can’t move through its full range, that feedback is distorted.
Therapy involves a mix of passive stretching (where the therapist moves the limb) and active-assisted exercises (where the child participates). We focus on making these movements functional—ensuring they can reach for a toy on a high shelf or kick a ball during a weekend outing to Al Majaz Waterfront. Strengthening the muscles around the joints ensures that the gains made in flexibility are stable and long-lasting.
The “Stretching Safari” at Home
Incorporate ROM exercises into your daily routine in Al Nahda by turning them into a “Stretching Safari.” Have your child reach up like a giraffe (shoulder extension) or crouch low like a tiger (hip and knee flexion). By embedding these clinical movements into imaginative play, you increase compliance and make the vital work of physical therapy something they look forward to.
Specialist FAQ
- Does ROM therapy hurt?
While some stretching can feel “tight,” our pediatric specialists use gentle, play-based techniques to ensure the child remains comfortable and engaged.
- How often should we do these exercises?
Consistency is key in the UAE heat when we spend more time indoors. We usually recommend a short 10-minute “safari” once or twice a day.
- Can ROM therapy help with “clumsiness”?
Yes! Often, clumsiness is caused by limited joint mobility or poor muscle tone. Improving ROM gives the child better “body awareness” and control.
Support your child’s physical freedom and movement. Visit us at Neurobloom Rehabilitation Centre, Al Nahda 2, Dubai or call 0507548629 to book a physical therapy consultation.
