What is the role of ROM and stretching in tissue healing?

• A. To maintain joint mobility and prevent contracture while promoting proper scar formation
• B. To increase pain and inflammation
• C. To shorten healing time by aggressive stretching
• D. To replace surgical repair

Answer: (A)

Movement and stretching during tissue healing provide the mechanical cues that guide how scar tissue forms and how the tissue keeps length and function. Restoring and maintaining joint mobility helps prevent contractures and stiffness by keeping tissues elongated and reducing adhesions, which is vital for a functional outcome. Gentle, progressive ROM and controlled stretching also direct collagen fibers to align with the direction of stress, supporting organized scar formation and better tensile strength as healing progresses. It’s important to apply these techniques in line with the healing stage—early, aggressive stretching can disrupt repair, increase pain and inflammation, and potentially prolong recovery. ROM and stretching are rehabilitation tools, not shortcuts; they support healing without replacing surgical repair when that is indicated. So the option that emphasizes maintaining mobility and preventing contracture while promoting proper scar formation best captures the role of ROM and stretching in tissue healing.