Passive range of motion is performed by therapists or others to individuals requiring exercise. Also known as range of motion, or ROM, exercise, passive range of motion manipulates joints and musculoskeletal system if a person can't do it themselves because they're paralyzed, bedridden or too weak. Knowing a few basic passive range of motion exercises for the knee joint can help your loved one recover from knee surgery or injury and make sure she's receiving optimal physical therapy care.
Knee Extension and Flexion
One of the most basic passive range of motion exercises is extension and flexion. Always support the knee joint by gently gasping the underside or just above the knee on the hamstring or underside of the thigh, suggests Passive Range of Motion Exercise Care Guide from Drugs.com. The other hand should cup the ankle or heel, offering complete lower leg support. Start with the leg resting on the bed, the patient lying on her back. With one hand beneath the ankle and the other under the knee, gently lift the lower leg and hold the extremity at a 90-degree angle, knee above the hip, ankle horizontal to the knee. Extend the knee slowly and as far as possible without causing pain. Maintaining support, return the leg to the starting position.
Knee Rotations
Work the knee by having the patient lie on her back on the exercise surface. Maintaining adequate support of the knee and ankle joint, bend or coax the knee upward until your patient can place her foot flat on the exercise surface, or as far as possible without causing pain. Gently press the bent knee sideways and down toward the bed across the mid-line of the body until the big toe touches the bed. Slowly lift the knee and try to press it outward until the little toe touches the bed. Don't push this. Exercise in small increments to strengthen the knee joint, not injure it further.
Hip and Knee Flexion
Have the patient lie on her back on the exercise surface. Grasp the right heel with your right hand and place your left hand under right knee. Slowly lift the heel and bend it toward the patient's chest. Try to bring the kneecap above the hip joint, or closer to the chest if possible. Then slowly lower the leg and extend until you've returned to the starting position.
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