Range of Motion (ROM)/Stretching/Flexibility 

“All Ages”

“Range of motion (ROM) exercises are done to preserve flexibility and mobility of the joints on which they are performed.” Range of motion refers to activity aimed at improving the movement of a specific joint. The structures that influence this motion are the configuration of bone surfaces within the joint, joint capsule, ligaments, tendons, and muscles acting on the joint.  Range of motion or flexibility assessment is important in determining the cause and severity of issues your dog may be having with joint movement.  Improper flexibility can cause pain, stiffness, limitations in the activities/sports he/she may be participating in and it can even cause compensation patterns that may lead to more dysfunction. After any surgery, passive range of motion exercises is usually the first type of exercise allowed by your veterinarian.  Passive range of motion (PROM) exercises and stretching exercises help maintain or improve the ability of the joint to flex, extend, abduct, and adduct, increasing body awareness, and improve the flexibility of muscles. Once your dog is able to stretch without pain, active range of motion (AROM) is performed utilizing special equipment like exercise balls, discs, cavaletti poles, wobble boards, stairs, ramps to focus on strengthening different parts of the body or core strength pain-free.