An OT practitioner is treating a client with burns to the chest and upper extremities sustained 6 weeks ago. The client is exhibiting new stiffness and deep pain in the elbow at the end of elbow flexion range

The therapist suspects development of heterotopic ossification and should take which of the fol-lowing actions?
A. Discontinue all elbow ROM until pain resolves.
B. Initiate dynamic elbow flexion splinting.
C. Have client perform active elbow ROM exercises within pain-free range.
D. Perform more aggressive passive stretching into elbow flexion.

ANS: C
If heterotopic ossification is detected, frequent active ROM exercises within pain-free range should be performed to preserve as much joint motion as possible. Use of dynamic splints or ag-gressive stretching should be discontinued.