OVERVIEW.

PROM is motion produced by an external force, without voluntary contraction, and within an unrestricted portion of a joint.¹ One of its chief purposes is to maintain (not increase) joint mobility.

SUMMARY: CONTRAINDICATIONS AND PRECAUTIONS.

Four sources list a common contraindication.^1–4 PROM is contraindicated if it disrupts healing (i.e., condition intensifies). Complications from PROM are reported below and include (1) fractures/dislocations—in often fragile bone, (2) autonomic dysreflexia—in spinal cord patients, and (3) heterotopic ossification. In addition, overly vigorous techniques may have led to fractures in cases where family members or lay people administer PROM to infants.

Note: It is not always clear in the harm literature whether the injurious technique in question (often referred to as “passive”) was truly that or perhaps a more forceful technique (i.e., stretching) (also see Mobility testing; Devices; AROM section; Stretching).