Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, sometimes just referred to as Perthes disease, involves the interruption of blood supply to the hip. The condition primarily affects small children, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons -- AAOS -- and is characterized by hip pain, inflammation and limping. Legg-Calve-Perthes disease can be treated non-surgically in many cases. Physical therapy exercises may be prescribed to help your child maintain range of motion of the hip joint.
Rotation
Hip rotation exercises keep the hip joint fluid and flexible when the blood supply has been cut in the case of Legg-Calve-Perthes disease. The stretch is simple enough that most kids over the age of 6 will be able to perform it by themselves, but a parent can offer a helping hand as needed.
The position to assume for hip rotation is lying on the back, either on a bed or floor. Your child's legs will be straight out in front of her. Rotate the hip by turning the leg inward -- the toes should point toward the other leg -- and then outward, so that the toes point away from the body. The motions should be smooth, slow and rolling, and your child's leg should always stay in contact with the surface without lifting up in the air.
Abduction
Hip abduction is another exercise your child may be required to perform as part of non-surgical treatment for Perthes disease. Parents or a physical therapist may need to assist with this exercise if the child is not old enough to understand the required movements, or not strong enough to perform the abduction on his own.
Your child should lie on his back on a bed or floor, with his knees bent and feet firmly planted on the surface. Slowly, bring both knees down so they are pointing outward, and then back up to the original position.
Bends
Hip and knee bends are another form of range-of-motion exercise that can facilitate increased flexibility and mobility in a child who has Legg-Calve-Perthes disease. Bending the knee as much as possible works the hip muscles and stretches as well as strengthens this area of the body.
As with the other stretches, your child can perform a hip and knee bend while lying on her back. While pointing the toes away from the body, bring the knee as far up as possible toward your child's trunk. Hold the position for a second before bringing the leg back down to the neutral position on the bed.
Flexors
Hip flexors play an important role in the treatment of Legg-Calve-Perthes disease. The exercise can strengthen the damaged hip, as well as serve as an assessment for leg muscle strength, according to Cincinnati Children's Hospital. A hip flexor is similar to a lunge. A caregiver may be required to help young children find the correct position for a hip flexor.
Stand up with one foot about a shoulder's width in front of the other. The affected hip should be in back of the healthy leg. Bend the front leg until the knee aligns with your child's toes, and hold the position, while keeping the back leg as straight as possible. Hold the position for about 15 seconds, or as long as can be tolerated.
