Hip Flexors
Supine Position
Purpose:
Increases and preserves flexibility and mobility of the joints.
To strengthen the muscles that bend the leg at the hip and move the leg forward in walking.
Directions:
Complete 10 repetitions (30 seconds each) once a day
Recommendations:
Complete exercises slowly
Try to achieve full range of motion but do not force a stretch
Decrease hands-on assistance over time (have child try to initiate and hold movement on their own)
Position the child lying face up on the floor or other firm surface. Support one leg under the knee and at the foot if needed. Ask the child to bend the leg at the hip, or bring the knee toward the nose. Assist the movement as needed. Repeat with other leg.
Make it fun! Suspend a set of “jingle bells” where the child can contact and ring them with the knee as the leg moves up.
Side Lying Position
Purpose:
Increases and preserves flexibility and mobility of the joints.
To strengthen the muscles that bend the leg at the hip and move the leg forward in walking.
Directions:
Complete 10 repetitions (30 seconds each) once a day
Recommendations:
Complete exercises slowly
Try to achieve full range of motion but do not force a stretch
Decrease hands-on assistance over time (have child try to initiate and hold movement on their own)
Place the child in a side lying position on the floor or other firm surface. Support the top leg above and below the knee with your hands. Move the leg forward or bring the knee toward the nose. Then place the child on the other side to perform the movement with the opposite leg.
Make it fun! Place an inflatable character toy in front of the child where it can be bumped by the knee to rock as the child moves the leg forward.
