Passive range of motion exercises are done with assistance, and do not require any effort on the part of the patient. These exercises can usually be conducted by a therapist, caregiver, family member or other trained helper. The goal of passive range of motion exercise is to promote joint movement, flexibility, encourage blood flow and to prevent contractures. Passive joint range of motion exercises should be performed on a daily basis.
Shoulder and Elbow
To encourage shoulder range of motion, it is beneficial to perform external rotation of the shoulder joint. For this exercise, begin by placing one hand just under the elbow joint; the other hand should be grasping the wrist. Next, bend the elbow about halfway and rotate the shoulder joint by moving the hand of the patient toward the head. Rotate back to the starting position, and repeat several times. For the elbow, hold the upper arm with one hand and forearm with the other hand. Bend the elbow so that the hand comes up toward the shoulder. Slowly straighten the arm back down, taking care not to hyperextend or lock out the elbow.
Hip
To encourage hip motion and flexibility, try performing this hip-rotation exercise on the patient. Begin by placing one hand on the patient's thigh and other hand below the knee. Bring the leg upward so that the knee is bent about halfway up to the chest. The knee should form a 90-degree angle. While in this position, pull the patient's foot toward you. Hold it for a second, and then push it the opposite direction and hold for another second. Repeat several times, and be sure not to use too much pressure.
Low Back
The lumbar portion of the spine is not very mobile, but it is still important to encourage movement in this area to encourage circulation, and to prevent stiffness and pain. Try this lumbar-rotation exercise for range of motion: Begin by assisting the patient, who is on his back, to bend both knees and placing the soles of his feet on the ground. Keeping the knees together, gently lower both of them to one side while encouraging the patient to keep his hips flat and back on the table or other surface. Bring the knees down as far as they will comfortably go, and then repeat on the opposite side.
Wrist and Ankle
To work the ankle, begin by placing one hand near the heel of the foot and the other hand hold the lower leg right above the ankle. Move the foot in a circular motion, both clockwise and counterclockwise. The range of motion exercise for the wrist is similar to that for the ankle. Start by using one hand to hold on to the patient's arm just above the wrist, and with the other hand, interlace your fingers with her fingers. Gently move the wrist in clockwise and counterclockwise circles.
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