What Does ROM Stand for in Massage Therapy? An Explanation from The Mark of Massage
At The Mark of Massage in Castle Rock, Colorado, I’ve been offering expert therapeutic massage since 2004—specializing in deep tissue, sports massage, trigger point therapy, Esalen, prenatal, hot stone, structural integration, and more. In massage therapy notes, assessments, and client discussions, abbreviations help keep things clear and efficient. One of the most common ones you’ll see is ROM, which stands for Range of Motion.
What Is Range of Motion (ROM)?
Range of Motion (ROM) refers to the full extent or degree of movement possible at a joint or series of joints—how far a body part (like your shoulder, knee, neck, or hip) can move in various directions (flexion, extension, rotation, abduction, etc.). It’s measured in degrees and is a key indicator of joint health, flexibility, mobility, and function.
In massage therapy, ROM is assessed before, during, and after sessions to:
• Identify restrictions, tightness, pain, or imbalances (e.g., limited shoulder ROM from desk work or post-hiking tension).
• Track progress—many clients notice improved ROM after therapeutic work, as massage reduces muscle tension, breaks up adhesions, increases circulation, and promotes better joint glide.
• Guide treatment—e.g., incorporating gentle stretches or assisted movements to safely expand ROM without forcing it.
Types of ROM Commonly Used in Massage
Massage therapists often evaluate and work with these variations:
• Active Range of Motion (AROM): You move the joint yourself using your own muscles (e.g., lifting your arm overhead on your own).
• Passive Range of Motion (PROM): The therapist gently moves the joint for you while you relax—no effort from the client. This helps assess true joint and tissue limitations.
• Resisted/Active-Resisted ROM: The therapist applies resistance while you move, testing muscle strength and identifying pain or weakness.
During a session (especially therapeutic ones like sports massage or structural integration), I might gently guide or assist ROM to release restrictions—always with your consent, communication, and secure draping for comfort and privacy.
Why ROM Matters for Castle Rock Clients
Whether you’re dealing with chronic tension from daily life, recovery after sports/outdoor activities, pregnancy-related stiffness, or just wanting better mobility, improving ROM can lead to less pain, easier movement, and greater overall well-being. In my practice—whether in-home/mobile (within ~30 minutes of my home office at 216 Douglas Fir Ave, 80104) or in the private lower-level space (fully secluded sessions, with occasional family sounds from upstairs outside the room)—I often check and gently work toward better ROM as part of personalized care.
If you’ve noticed limited movement in a joint or want to focus on improving flexibility, let’s discuss it during booking—I can tailor the session accordingly!
Sources for Verification (based on 2025–2026 professional and industry resources):
• Massage Therapy Reference: ROM defined as the range through which a joint can move or be moved, with types like active, passive, and resisted (https://www.massagetherapyreference.com/range-of-motion/)
• MBLEX Guide: Lists ROM as “Range of Motion” in common massage therapy abbreviations (https://mblexguide.com/massage-therapy-abbreviations/)
• Physiopedia: Comprehensive explanation of ROM, including active and passive types in therapeutic contexts (https://www.physio-pedia.com/Range_of_Motion)
• NHPC Blog: ROM as “Range of Motion” in massage industry abbreviations (https://www.nhpcanada.org/NHPC-Blog/Massage-Therapy-Industry-Abbreviations)
• Elements Massage & Athlete’s Choice Massage: Discuss ROM enhancement through massage for flexibility and pain relief (https://elementsmassage.com/needham/blog/massage-therapy-and-enhancement-of-range-of-motion; https://athleteschoicemassage.ca/faqs/range-motion/)
Your mobility and comfort are my focus—hope this helps! Ready for a session to explore and improve your ROM? Contact The Mark of Massage today. 😊
