Range of motion exercises for ALS

Supporting amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) mobility and flexibility through range of motion (ROM) exercises is an important part of maintaining overall wellness. Gentle ROM exercises can help reduce stiffness, keep your joints mobile, and support your quality of life with ALS.

Knowing how these exercises benefit ALS wellness and daily movement — and understanding which activities your physical therapist may recommend — can help you care for both your body and your well-being.

How range of motion exercises can help with ALS

ROM exercises offer multiple benefits for people living with ALS. Regular movement can help prevent or slow the development of contractures — the tightening of muscles and joints that often occurs as ALS progresses.

Other potential benefits of establishing daily movement habits with ALS include:

• helping prevent muscle atrophy
• maintaining or improving flexibility and mobility
• reducing pain and joint stiffness
• boosting circulation
• helping prevent pressure sores
• providing routine and structure in the day

Keep in mind that ROM movement doesn’t have to be intense, and gentle exercise is often as effective and more appropriate for managing ALS.

Gentle exercises you can include in your day

There are various types of range of motion exercises, and your physical therapist will be able to provide specific recommendations tailored to your needs and abilities.

• Passive range of motion involves caregiver-assisted exercises, where your caregiver moves the joint for you while you stay relaxed.
• Active assisted range of motion occurs when you use your muscles to move the joint part of the way, if possible, and a physical therapist, caregiver, or piece of equipment supports the rest.
• Active ROM involves using your muscles to move the joint yourself, if possible. You can also use a stronger arm to assist when performing certain exercises.

All of these movements can be beneficial as long as you do them under the guidance of your physical therapist, who can recommend specific upper-body ROM exercises and lower-body ROM exercises as part of a personalized plan.

Involving caregivers and loved ones

If you are a caregiver supporting someone living with ALS, you can play an important role in helping them maintain their ROM routine. Start by asking their physical therapist for detailed guidance. They can show you exactly which movements to assist with and how to do them safely.

Try approaching ROM sessions as shared moments of care and connection. For your loved one, having someone they can rely on brings both physical comfort and emotional encouragement.

Why it’s important to get professional support

Because ALS can affect mobility, some exercises may be challenging to do alone. That’s why working with a physical therapist is so valuable. An expert in ALS physical therapy can identify which type of ROM exercise is best for you and determine whether you’ll need assistance.

They can also suggest adaptive mobility tools for ALS or flexibility exercises for neurological conditions to support your comfort and function.

Don’t hesitate to communicate with your physical therapist if you ever have any questions or concerns. They can only help you when they know that you need their guidance.

Finally, occupational therapy can complement physical therapy by helping you maintain independence with ALS by teaching you how to manage daily activities more efficiently and ease fatigue.

For example, an occupational therapist can suggest strategies for dressing, bathing, and cooking, and offer ideas for making your home more accessible and supportive.

Building ROM into daily life

Consistency is key to maintaining ALS mobility and flexibility. Depending on your physical therapist’s exact recommendations, you can try to make ROM exercises part of your morning or evening routine. You might pair these sessions with other ALS self-care strategies, such as stretching routines for ALS or listening to calming music.

Finally, remember to celebrate progress — no matter how small. Whether it’s watching your favorite show, enjoying time outdoors, or connecting with peers in the ALS community, small rewards can help you stay motivated.

Overall, incorporating ROM into everyday life can help prevent contractures in ALS, ease joint stiffness, and support overall quality of life and movement in ALS.