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.
Equipment
- No specialized supplies required
- Hand hygiene supplies
Procedure Steps
- Perform routine pre-procedure actions: knock, identify resident, explain procedure, provide privacy, and perform hand hygiene.
- Raise bed height as needed and position resident supine with bed flat.
- Support limb with one hand under knee and one hand under ankle.
- Observe for objective signs of pain before and during movement.
- For hip abduction/adduction, keep leg straight and move gently away from body (abduction), then return toward body (adduction).
- Stop movement if resistance is encountered or pain is reported.
- Repeat hip abduction/adduction per restorative plan order.
- For hip/knee flexion, bend knee and hip toward trunk simultaneously.
- Reassess for pain or resistance and stop if present.
- Extend knee and hip together to return to neutral.
- Repeat flexion/extension sequence per restorative plan order.
- Complete post-procedure comfort/safety checks, hand hygiene, and document ROM performed with any pain/skin 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.
Related
- range-of-motion-exercises-for-the-shoulder - Same pain-limited and support-first ROM principles.
- complications-of-immobility - ROM supports circulation, flexibility, and contracture prevention.