Passive Range of Motion Exercises for Knee

The knee is an important part of the body. It helps with balance, walking, running, biking, sitting, standing and many other functions. To prevent damage to the knee it is important to stretch regularly. However, many people are unable to exercise by themselves and need assistance from a caregiver. When a person is stretched out by a caregiver it is called passive range of motion (PROM) exercises. There are many different passive range of motion exercises that are done to ensure that the knee is fully stretched.

PROM

• Passive range of motion exercises can be done a few different ways. One way is done with active participation of the stretching person who needs little assistance, if any, from a caregiver. The other form of PROM exercises are done with a person who is not able to perform the exercises on her own and requires help from a caregiver to complete the exercises. PROM exercises are especially important for the patient who is bedridden or in a wheelchair. The purpose of the passive range of motion exercises is not to build muscle but to increase blood flow, circulation and flexibility and to keep the joint muscles mobile.

Exercises

• It is important to remember that passive range of motion exercises should be done in a slow gentle manner because the people undergoing them are in a fragile state. Exercising does wonderful things for the body.
  One exercise that is good for the knees involves the caregiver either being on the ground or adjusting the bed so that the patient is lying at a comfortable height for the caregiver to efficiently provide exercises. The exercise involves the patient keeping one leg down and the caregiver raising the other leg straight up as far as it will go. The caregiver should place one hand under the knee to keep it from bending. Then the caregiver will switch legs and repeat the exercise.
  Another exercise that is designed for the knee involves gradually bending the knee and bringing it towards the chest as far as it can go. Hold it in this position for 10 to 15 seconds and alternate legs.
  Finally, to help with knee rotation, the patient's knee should be bent so that the underside of the one foot is even with the ground or bed. Then proceed to turn the leg inward as far as possible trying to touch the big toe to the bed and then out, on the other side towards the small toe. Hold each position for 10 to 15 seconds then alternate legs.