Passive Range of Motion

Passive Range of Motion exercises are gentle movements of a joint or joints through flexion and extension. Moving joints helps to nourish the cartilage, maintain function and is critical to the optimal healing of any injury.

We also have video resources showing all of the Range of Motion exercises. Click HERE to view them.

Perform these exercises at a time when your dog is relaxed and quiet. Have her lie on the unaffected side. You may need a second handler to help keep your dog relaxed and still by petting and holding her; holding the unaffected arm will make it much harder for your pet to try to get up. Slowly and gently move into the stretch position as described below until you first feel resistance from her tissues. If your pet shows any indications of pain (vocalizing, pulling away from you, breathing heavily, etc.), back off the stretch intensity slightly.

Here are general instructions for all stretches and Range of Motion exercises.

Arm Extension Range of Motion

Brace: her shoulder blade (the edge closest to her head  will be easiest to brace using the edge of your hand  OR place the palm of your hand on top of her entire  shoulder blade)

Move: her arm forward by pushing on the back of her  arm, above her elbow

Hold: 5 seconds
Repeat: 5-10 times
Do This: 2-3 times a day

Elbow Extension Stretch

Brace: above her elbow, behind her arm

Move: her elbow into a straight position by pushing on  the front of her arm, below her elbow

**Note: her shoulder will need to be in a straight position  (i.e. reaching forward)

Hold: 15 seconds
Repeat: 3-5 times
Do This: 2-3 times a day

Arm Flexion Range of Motion

Brace: her shoulder blade (the edge closest to her spine  will be easiest to brace using the edge of your hand  OR place the palm of your hand on top of her entire  shoulder blade)

Move: her arm into a bent  position by pushing on the  back of her paw

Hold: 5 seconds

Repeat: 5-10 times
Do This: 2-3 times a day

Finger Flexors Stretch

Brace: your dog’s wrist straight

Move: her fingers upwards by placing the pads of her  paw on your palm and pushing up

**Note: this should move her paw into the position it  normally assumes when she is standing with weight on her paw

Hold: 30 seconds
Repeat: 2-3 times
Do This: 2-3 times a day

Leg Flexion Range of Motion

Brace: on top of your dog’s pelvis (just above the base  of her tail)

Move: her arm into a bent position by pushing on the  back of her paw

Hold: 5 seconds
Repeat: 5-10 times
Do This: 2-3 times a day

Toe Flexors Stretch

Brace: your dog’s ankle straight

Move: her toes upwards by placing the pads of her paw  on your palm and pushing up

**Note: this should move her foot into the position it  normally assumes when she is standing with weight on her foot

Hold: 30 seconds
Repeat: 2-3 times
Do This: 2-3 times a day

Leg Extension Range of Motion

Brace: on top of your dog’s pelvis (just above the base  of her tail)
Move: her leg back by pushing on the front of her thigh above her knee

Hold: 5 seconds
Repeat: 5-10 times
Do This: 2-3 times  a day


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