Passive range of motion exercises are done to preserve or improve flexibility and mobility of the joints

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These exercises should be done slowly and steadily. Never force a joint. Damage to the joint space can occur if too much force is applied.

Joint range of motion is done on one joint at a time. Stabilize with one hand just above the joint and place your other hand below the joint to move the part through its full range of motion.

Shoulder Flexion

Starting Position

Place child lying on back.

Hand Placement
Stabilize with one hand at the shoulder so that it doesn't come up. Hold wrist with the other hand.

Motion
Bend the arm up so hand is over the head, thumb leading. Keep the elbow straight.

 

Starting Position

Lay child on back, arm away from body.

Hand Placement
Stabilize with one hand at the shoulder. Hold the wrist with the other hand.

Movement
Bend the arm across the body toward the other arm.

Shoulder rotation

Starting Position

Lay child on back, elbow bent and arm straight out to the side.

Hand Placement
Hold arm straight out to the side. Hold the forearm with the other hand.

Movement
Roll the forearm up, then roll the forearm down.

Shoulder abduction

Starting Position

Place child lying on back.

Head Placement
Stabilize with one hand at the shoulder so it doesn't come up. Hold forearm with the other hand.

Motion
Bend the arm sideways away from the body; bring the arm straight out to the side.

Starting Position

Lay child on back, elbow straight, arm away from body.

Hand Placement
Stabilize the elbow, hold wrist with other hand.

Motion
Bend the elbow gently, then straighten the elbow.

Starting Position

Lay child on back, elbow bent, arm close to body.

Hand Placement
Stabilize the upper arm with one hand, hold the wrist with the other hand.

Movement
Roll the forearm and hand up, then roll the forarm and hand down.

Starting Position

Place child laying on back.

Hand Placement
Stabilize the forearm with one hand. Hold child's hand with your other hand.

Movement
Bend the wrist forward and back.

Starting Position

Optional

Hand Placement
Stabilize the forearm and wrist with one hand. Hold the child's fingers with your other hand.

Movement
Bend the fingers, then straighten the fingers.

Starting Position

Hold the child's hand and wrist open and straight.

Hand Placement
Hold the fingers straight.

Movement
Spread the fingers apart gently, bring them back together.

 

Starting Position

Hold the child's hand open with palm up.

Hand Placement
Stabilize with one hand at the base of the little finger. Hold the end of the thumb with your other hand.

Movement
Bend the thumb up and over toward the base of the little finger.

Starting Position

Hold hand open with palm up.

Hand Placement
Stabilize with one hand in the palm of the child's hand. Hold the end of the thumb with your other hand.

Movement
Straighten the thumb upward, away from the palm.

Starting Position

Hold hand open with palm up.

Hand Placement
Stabilize with one hand in the palm of the child's hand. Hold the end of the thumb with the other hand.

Movement
Bend the thumb away from the side of the hand.