Therapy: Range of Motion Exercises

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Fact Sheet

Fact Sheet Brochure

Frequently Asked Questions

Myths about Hydranencephaly

Myths Brochure

Dear Doctor Letter

Therapy:
Range of Motion Exercises
(Stretches)

In this section I will give you some explanations and drawings of the different exercises that I’ve found on the internet. I am also including pictures of children with Hydranencephaly doing the exercises. These are presented here for information only. You must be taught how to do the specific exercises for your child, by your child’s therapist.

An overview and explanation of Range of Motion Exercises which is included in the book "Caring For Your Child With Hydranencephaly".

Passive Range Of Motion (ROM) Exercises http://www.medformation.com/ac/mm_qdis.nsf/qd/nd2524g.htm

http://www.alsa-or.org/treatment/ROMExercises.htm (this site has drawings of the exercises)

Here are pictures of Noah having stretches/ROM.


Slowly and gently rock hips one way and shoulders in the opposite direction	With Noah lying on his back, gently cup his head and gently stretch the tight muscles at the back of his neck.

Gently stretch Noah’s shoulders up over his head ensuring his palms are facing inwards and his thumb leads the movement	Repeat as above with the other arm

You can do both shoulders together	Gently straighten Noah’s elbows and hold straight for 15 seconds


To open Noah’s hand gently push on the back of his hand until the fingers open	Support the fingers for their full length and….

…..slowly and gently……	Straighten the fingers and take the wrist back

To loosen Noah’s back gently and slowly stretch his hips and pelvis in one direction and shoulders the opposite direction	Stretch each hip by moving one knee up onto his chest while holding the other leg straight. Alternate legs

Gently take Noah’s legs apart	Gently squeeze Noah’s legs together when they are bent…….

……and then straighten	Stretch Noah’s hamstring muscles by bending up one leg so the hip is bent to 90 degrees and then straighten the knew-go very slowly and gently and hold the stretch for 15 seconds. Repeat often

Close up of above stretch	To move Noah’s ankles support the whole foot with one hand and hold the back of the ankle with the other.

Then pull down with the heel hand and push up with the foot hand.	To stretch Noah’s toes. Support the top of his foot and gently straighten his toes as far as possible. Go slowly. Do some (5) at every nappy change

When sitting, arm stretches can be done slowly and gently. Note: Palms face inwards and thumb go first when arms are moved up.	Lie him on tummy (prone) over a wedge. Gently pull and vibrate down Noah’s spine