Range of Motion Course

Onward Health's Range of Motion & Positioning Course is a structured, 6-session program building the foundations for upper limb recovery. Including mobility, positioning and management of early complications following stroke, brain injury or spinal cord injury.

Range of motion and correct positioning are the groundwork for everything that follows in upper limb recovery. Without addressing stiffness, contracture risk or positioning early, later strengthening and functional training are harder to achieve. This course is best suited to clients earlier in their recovery or those whose arm has become stiff or difficult to move due to reduced use.

Who we support

We commonly work with adults following:

Stroke (hemiparesis)
Acquired Brain Injury
Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury with upper limb involvement

This course is best suited to clients who have not yet completed a foundational ROM and positioning program. It is delivered one-on-one and tailored to the individual's presentation and environment.

The Range of Motion & Positioning Course may help with:

Reduced or reducing range of motion in the shoulder, elbow, wrist, or hand
Risk of contracture from reduced arm use
Swelling or edema affecting the hand and arm
Poor positioning during rest or daily activities
Pain associated with stiffness or poor positioning

What This Course Addresses

Assessment & Intervention Approach

The course runs over six sessions (45–60 minutes), delivered in person to allow for hands-on assessment and facilitation.

Session 1 — Assessment and goal setting. We measure baseline range of motion and positioning needs and set goals tied to preventing further loss and supporting the next stage of recovery.

Session 2 — Stretching program and positioning education for rest, sleep and daily activities.

Session 3 — Edema management strategies where relevant and review of splinting needs.

Session 4 — Carer/family education on safe positioning and handling, where applicable.

Session 5 — Consolidation of the home stretching and positioning routine, with troubleshooting.

Session 6 — Review and progression planning, re-measuring range of motion and confirming readiness to progress to the Strength & Motor Control Course.