# 10 Ways To Improve Range of Motion During Recovery **By Stephen Khentigan** · 2026-09-16 Regaining range of motion (ROM) after an injury or surgery is a top priority for patients and clinicians alike. With the right plan—combining targeted exercises, protection, and adjunct therapies—you can safely restore mobility and return to the activities you love. Supply Physical Therapy supplies best-in-class orthopedic products to support that journey, with nearly 30 years of industry experience, fast U.S. shipping, and a knowledgeable customer service team ready to help. Learn more at [Supply Physical Therapy](https://supplypt.com/). 1. **Start with guided, active-assisted ROM** Active-assisted range-of-motion exercises help move a joint through its available arc without overloading healing tissues. Tools like a [shoulder pulley](https://supplypt.com/products/rangemaster-classic-shoulder-pulley) or a simple strap let you gradually increase movement for shoulders, elbows, and hips under the direction of your therapist. 2. **Use therapeutic stretching daily** Short, consistent stretches (10–30 seconds each, repeated several times) prevent stiffness and lengthen tight muscles. Incorporate clinician-prescribed stretches and adjuncts such as a [stretch band](https://supplypt.com/products/physical-therapy-stretch-band) for progressive loading and better control. 3. **Progress strengthening through controlled resistance** Strength around a joint supports improved ROM. Begin with isometrics and progress to light resistance using bands or bodyweight. For knee and ankle stability during rehab, consider braces like the [DonJoy Playmaker II](https://supplypt.com/products/donjoy-playmaker-ii-knee-brace) or the [Aircast A60 ankle support](https://supplypt.com/products/aircast-a60-ankle-support) to protect while you build strength. 4. **Combine manual therapy with exercise** Hands-on techniques—mobilizations and soft-tissue work from a licensed therapist—can reduce joint stiffness and prepare tissues for active movement. Coordinate manual therapy sessions with your home exercise program for best results. 5. **Use heat before exercise and cold after** Applying moist heat or a warm compress before stretching can increase tissue pliability. After exercise, targeted cold therapy reduces inflammation and soreness. We offer a range of cold therapy systems—from portable units like the [DonJoy Iceman Clear3](https://supplypt.com/products/donjoy-iceman-clear3) to cold-compression systems such as the [Breg Polar Care Wave](https://supplypt.com/products/breg-polar-care-wave-cold-therapy-system) and the [Omni Ice Pulse Compression](https://supplypt.com/products/omni-ice-pulse-compression-cold-therapy)—that can make recovery more comfortable and efficient. Talk to a cold therapy consultant at 844-505-8144 for product guidance. 6. **Protect healing tissue with appropriate bracing** Targeted support helps you safely challenge ROM without risking reinjury. Wrist or thumb braces (for example, [DonJoy wrist wraps](https://supplypt.com/products/donjoy-wrist-wraps-wrist-brace)) and specialized supports like the [Exos Form II back brace](https://supplypt.com/products/exos626) let you stabilize while performing mobility work. 7. **Use intermittent traction for cervical and spinal stiffness** For neck or upper back limitations, gentle traction can decompress joints and improve mobility before exercises. Devices such as the [ComforTrac cervical traction](https://supplypt.com/products/comfortrac-cervical-traction) or the [Saunders traction devices](https://supplypt.com/collections/saunders-cervical-traction-devices) are effective when used per clinician instructions. 8. **Incorporate neuromuscular control and balance work** Improved proprioception supports better movement patterns and joint confidence. Balance drills, single-leg stance, and controlled dynamic tasks help retrain the nervous system alongside ROM gains. 9. **Employ cold-compression and cryo-cuff systems strategically** After aggressive ROM sessions, cold compression limits swelling and pain. Systems like the [Aircast Cryo Cuff wraps](https://supplypt.com/products/aircast-cryo-cuff-wraps) or the [Breg Polar Care Cube](https://supplypt.com/products/polar-care-cube) deliver targeted relief so you can do therapy more often and with less discomfort. 10. **Be consistent, gradual, and measured in progression** Recovery is a marathon, not a sprint. Small, steady increases in range, intensity, or resistance are safer and more effective than pushing too hard. Track progress, stay in communication with your therapist, and use supportive products from Supply Physical Therapy when appropriate. If you’re unsure which device fits your stage of recovery—cold therapy units, braces, or traction—call 844-505-8144 to speak with a cold therapy consultant. Recommended products to support ROM work: - [RangeMaster Classic Shoulder Pulley](https://supplypt.com/products/rangemaster-classic-shoulder-pulley) — for active-assisted shoulder mobility - [Physical Therapy Stretch Band](https://supplypt.com/products/physical-therapy-stretch-band) — progressive resistance for strengthening - [DonJoy Iceman Clear3](https://supplypt.com/products/donjoy-iceman-clear3) — continuous cold therapy - [Breg Polar Care Wave](https://supplypt.com/products/breg-polar-care-wave-cold-therapy-system) — cold + compression technology - [DonJoy Playmaker II Knee Brace](https://supplypt.com/products/donjoy-playmaker-ii-knee-brace) — protects the knee during rehab - [ComforTrac Cervical Traction](https://supplypt.com/products/comfortrac-cervical-traction) — for cervical ROM and decompression At Supply Physical Therapy we understand the orthopedic surgery and rehab process and select products based on quality and value. We offer same- and next-day shipping, U.S.-based support, and tailored recommendations to match your recovery stage. Learn more or place an order at [supplypt.com](https://supplypt.com/), or call 844-505-8144 to speak with a cold therapy consultant who can help you choose the right tools for improving range of motion. --- > Source: [Supply Physical Therapy](https://supplypt.com/blogs/news/10-ways-to-improve-range-of-motion-during-recovery)