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Range of Motion (ROM) Exercises for the Hip and Knee

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Range of Motion (ROM) Exercises for the Hip and Knee

Key Points

  • Hip ROM includes abduction and adduction with leg kept straight.
  • Hip and knee flexion/extension are performed together in controlled sequence.
  • Stop if pain or resistance appears and report tolerance accurately.
  • Begin ROM promptly when ordered because immobility-related joint restriction can develop within days.

Clinical Use Notes

  • ROM types include passive (outside force moves relaxed joint), active (patient moves independently), and active-assist (partial assistance).
  • Stretching should be slow and gentle; when prescribed, hold each movement for about a 15-count and repeat about 10-15 times per session.
  • Some clients need temporary ROM during recovery, while others require long-term ROM to prevent contracture in neurologic or neuromuscular conditions.

Equipment

Procedure Steps

  1. Perform routine pre-procedure actions: knock, identify resident, explain procedure, provide privacy, and perform hand hygiene.
  2. Raise bed height as needed and position resident supine with bed flat.
  3. Support limb with one hand under knee and one hand under ankle.
  4. Observe for objective signs of pain before and during movement.
  5. For hip abduction/adduction, keep leg straight and move gently away from body (abduction), then return toward body (adduction).
  6. Stop movement if resistance is encountered or pain is reported.
  7. Repeat hip abduction/adduction per restorative plan order (commonly 10-15 repetitions with hold duration per order).
  8. For hip/knee flexion, bend knee and hip toward trunk simultaneously.
  9. Reassess for pain or resistance and stop if present.
  10. Extend knee and hip together to return to neutral.
  11. Repeat flexion/extension sequence per restorative plan order (commonly 10-15 repetitions with hold duration per order).
  12. Complete post-procedure comfort/safety checks (bed low/locked and call light within reach), perform hand hygiene, and document ROM performed with any pain, skin issues, or status changes.

Common Errors

  • Forcing motion beyond resistance → increased soft-tissue and joint injury risk.
  • Poor hand support under knee/ankle → loss of joint control and discomfort.
  • Performing movements too quickly → reduced resident tolerance and guarding.
  • Failing to report pain response → delayed plan adjustment.

Graph View