Active and Passive Range-of-Motion Exercises

Range-of-motion exercises keep joints mobile and increase flexibility in stiff joints. According to Healthline, the range of motion of a joint is influenced by the ligaments, tendons, muscles, and bones that make up that joint. Active range-of-motion exercises are performed by the patient on her own. Passive range-of-motion exercises are performed by a physical therapist or assistant manipulating the patient's joints. All exercises should be done on both sides of the body if possible.

Passive Head and Neck Exercises

• Chin to chest : The patient lies on his back with the assistant supporting his head. The assistant gently raises the patient's head and slowly and gently tips it toward the patient's chest.

  Head turns: The patient lies on his back. The assistant puts one hand on either side of the patient's face and slowly and gently turns the patient's head to first one side, then the other. The assistant should not force the head to turn nor turn the head past the shoulder.

Passive Shoulder and Elbow Exercises

• Shoulder movement, up and down: The assistant turns the patient's palm toward her body, then slowly and gently raises the arm in front of the patient's body until the arm is even with the patient's ear.

  Shoulder movement, side to side: The assistant lifts the patient's arm to the side as high as possible, ideally so the arm is above the head, then moves the arm back down so it is at the patient's side; then without bending the elbow, moves the arm in front of the patient's body as high as possible on the other side.

  Elbow bends, up and down: The assistant places the patient's arm at her side with the palm facing up. Slowly and gently, the assistant bends the patient's elbow so the patient's palm comes toward the shoulder, then releases the arm slowly back to the starting position.

Passive Hip and Knee Exercises

• Hip and knee bends: With the patient flat on his back, the assistant places one hand under the patient's knee and the other hand on the patient's ankle. The assistant then gently bends the knee and raises it up and toward the patient's chest before returning the leg to the starting position.

  Leg rotation: With the patient flat on her back and toes pointed up toward the ceiling, the assistant rotates the leg to bring first the big toe, then the little toe, as close to the bed as possible. The knee my have a slight bend, but should remain relatively straight.

Active Range-of-Motion Exercises

• Each of the exercises listed above can be done as an active range-of-motion exercise if the patient performs the exercise himself, rather than having an assistant do it. In cases of rehabilitation, the exercises may start as passive, but become active as the patient develops increased muscle tone and begins to move the joints himself.