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