380 chapter 42
Range-of-motion exercises —lower limbs
(Also see the exercise sheets on pages 382 to 386.)
KNEE
HIP: straighten
(Also see p. 385.)
in an older child
Bring heel back as
far as possible,
HIP: bend
then straighten leg
as much as possible.
Be sure hip stays flat against a
firm surface as you bend leg up.
HIP: spread
leg out
and in
Bend knee to chest.
Straighten all the way.
HIP: twist (rotation)—leg straight
Twist the leg,
not the foot.
Spread hips open as far as you
can by moving leg out to the side.
HIP ROTATION: leg bent
twist the upper leg,
not the foot.
Roll leg and
foot to inside,
then
to outside.
ANKLE AND FOOT: down and up
(Also see p. 83.)
With knee bent, swing leg out,
then in.
IMPORTANT: To stretch a tight heel cord, pull
heel down as you push foot up.
Bend foot down.
Pull heel down
and bend foot up.
ANKLE TWISTING: in and out
Pull heel harder
than you push on
foot—or you may
dislocate foot
upward instead
of stretching the
ankle cord and
muscles. (See p. 382 and 383.)
TOES: up and down
Twist in.
Disabled village Children
Twist out.
Bend toes up.
Bend toes down.