Passive range of motion exercises for babies for flexibility mobility of joints
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Passive range of motion exercises are done to preserve flexibility and mobility of the joints on which they are performed.
It is important to perform these exercises to prevent deformities.
These exercises can be administered by an Occupational Therapist or under the direction of a therapist.
All the exercises should be done several times a day.
A good time to do them is after the baby's bath or at each diaper change.
Your occupational therapist will tell you how many times to do each one.
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.
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.
Shoulder adduction
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.
ElbowFlexion and Extension
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.
Forearm supination and pronation
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.
Wristflexion and extension
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.
Finger flexion and extension
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.
Finger abduction
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.
Thumb opposition
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.
Thumb flexion and extension
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.
Thumb abduction and adduction
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.
