Individuals suffering from conditions such as amylotrophic lateral sclerosis, or AMS -- also known as Lou Gehrig's disease -- are often unable to maintain function in their joints and muscles. Without therapy, their muscles atrophy, or waste away, thereby making them even weaker. Drugs.com says that passive range of motion techniques, which are performed by physical therapists and caregivers, can keep muscles and joints fluid and flexible. For all passive range of motion techniques, stop if your movements cause the patient pain. Keep your motions smooth to prevent possible injury.
Head and Neck Techniques
For head and neck exercises, place the patient on his back on a bed with no pillow, Drugs.com suggests. For forward head tilts, support the back of his head with one hand and his chin with your other hand and gently bend the patient's head forward toward his chest. Return his head to the starting position. For side head turns, place your hands on either side of the patient's face, then gently turn the patient's head toward his left shoulder. Return the patient to the starting position, then turn his head toward his right shoulder. For side head tilts, place your hands on either side of the patient's face, then gently tilt his head toward his left shoulder without twisting his neck. Return the patient to the starting position, then tilt his head toward his right shoulder.
Arm and Shoulder Techniques
Perform these arm and shoulder motions with the patient on her back, St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital states. Begin the shoulder flexion with the patient's arms down by her side. Place one hand over her right shoulder and the other hand under her elbow. Gently raise her arm by the elbow over her head. Return the patient to the starting position, then repeat with her other arm.
Begin the internal rotation by placing the patient on her back and propping her elbow at a 90-degree angle with the bed while holding her arm upright. Gently twist her arm inward while lowering her hand forward toward the bed. Return her arm to the starting position, then allow her arm to relax. Repeat with the opposite arm.
Begin the external rotation with the patient in the same position as the internal rotation. Gently twist her arm away outward while lifting her hand over her shoulder toward the bed. Return to the starting position and allow her arm to relax, then repeat with the opposite arm.
Passive Range of Motion Leg Technique
Passive range of motion exercises for the leg and hip prevent the knee from locking, according to ALS Worldwide. Begin the leg flexion exercise with the patient lying on his back with his legs flat. Place one hand on his right thigh and the other on his knee. Raise his leg upward while bending his knee. Stop when his knee is at a 90-degree angle from the bed. Pull the patient's foot toward you until he begins to feel pain. Push his foot away from you until you feel resistance, then return the leg to the starting position. Repeat with the other leg.
