Range of Motion (ROM)
Range of Motion (ROM) is a common term used in physical therapy and healthcare that measures how much a patient can move a joint, like their knee, shoulder, or elbow. Think of it like measuring how far someone can bend or stretch a body part. Therapists use ROM to track a patient's progress, plan treatments, and determine if someone is ready to return to work or daily activities. It's one of the basic ways to assess how well a person is healing or functioning. When you see ROM in a resume or job description, it usually refers to the therapist's ability to assess, measure, and help improve a patient's movement capabilities.
Examples in Resumes
Conducted daily ROM assessments for post-surgery patients
Developed exercise programs to improve Range of Motion in stroke patients
Documented improvements in patients' ROM using standardized measurement techniques
Typical job title: "Physical Therapists"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Physical Therapists
Professional Organizations
Online Communities
Job Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you develop comprehensive treatment plans that incorporate ROM assessments?
Expected Answer: A senior therapist should discuss how they evaluate initial ROM, set realistic goals, choose appropriate exercises, and adjust plans based on patient progress. They should mention documentation methods and how they communicate with other healthcare providers.
Q: How do you train junior staff in proper ROM assessment techniques?
Expected Answer: Should explain their teaching methods, common mistakes to watch for, how to ensure consistency in measurements, and ways to adapt techniques for different patient populations.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What factors do you consider when assessing ROM in different patient populations?
Expected Answer: Should discuss age, medical conditions, injury type, pain levels, and how these factors affect ROM assessment and treatment approaches.
Q: How do you document ROM progress and communicate it to other healthcare providers?
Expected Answer: Should explain measurement techniques, documentation systems, progress tracking, and how they communicate findings to doctors and other team members.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the basic types of ROM exercises?
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain active, passive, and assisted ROM exercises, when each is appropriate, and basic safety considerations.
Q: How do you measure ROM using a goniometer?
Expected Answer: Should describe proper positioning, basic measurement technique, and normal ranges for common joints.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic ROM measurement techniques
- Understanding normal joint ranges
- Simple exercise instruction
- Basic documentation skills
Mid (2-5 years)
- Complex case management
- Treatment plan development
- Patient progress tracking
- Team collaboration
Senior (5+ years)
- Advanced treatment planning
- Staff training and supervision
- Complex case management
- Program development
Red Flags to Watch For
- Unable to demonstrate proper measurement techniques
- Lack of knowledge about normal ROM ranges
- Poor documentation practices
- No experience with standard assessment tools
Related Terms
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