What is a primary reason to begin PROM during Weeks 2-4?

• A. To lubricate joints during immobilization.
• B. To direct collagen alignment in response to load.
• C. To prevent any remodeling.
• D. To encourage fatty infiltration.

Answer: (B)

The main concept is that early controlled motion after tissue injury provides the mechanical cues that guide how the healing tissue reorganizes. During Weeks 2–4, the inflammatory phase has subsided and the proliferative phase is underway, with fibroblasts depositing new collagen. Gentle, passive range of motion introduces tensile forces that encourage those new collagen fibers to align in the direction of the load. This organizing effect helps create tissue that is stronger where it matters and reduces the risk of a disorganized, stiff scar.

Choosing to begin PROM for this reason makes sense because it uses the body's natural response to load to shape healing. It’s not about lubricating joints, which is a normal feature of joint fluid but not the primary goal of starting PROM. It’s not about preventing remodeling—remodeling is necessary for recovery, and PROM helps direct it. It’s not about promoting fatty infiltration, which would be undesirable; the aim is organized collagen and better tensile properties, not infiltration of fat.