It's really tough watching your son struggle with his legs, and it's great that you're looking for ways to help. There are several stretches and exercises that can help maintain flexibility, reduce stiffness, and keep muscles working as well as possible.
Before starting any routine, always check with his doctor or physical Show Full Answer
It's really tough watching your son struggle with his legs, and it's great that you're looking for ways to help. There are several stretches and exercises that can help maintain flexibility, reduce stiffness, and keep muscles working as well as possible.
Before starting any routine, always check with his doctor or physical therapist first to make sure the exercises are safe and appropriate for his specific situation.
Here are some gentle stretches that are commonly recommended:
- Hip Flexor Stretch – Helps loosen the muscles at the front of the hips and thighs
- Hamstring Stretch – Helps lengthen the back of the legs and upper thighs
- Iliotibial Band Stretch – Maintains flexibility and reduces tightness along the outside of the thigh
- Prone Calf Stretch – Keeps the calf muscles flexible
- Lying Achilles Stretch – Keeps the Achilles tendon long and flexible A few important tips to keep in mind during stretching:
- Warm up first – Gently move his body before stretching, or apply light heat to the muscles
- Don't push through pain – Create a signal he can use to let you know when to stop
- Encourage regular breathing – He shouldn't hold his breath during stretches
- Use good form – A physical therapist can show you the correct positions
Beyond stretching, low-impact activities like swimming and cycling are also great options for keeping muscles active without overexerting them.
A physical therapist should evaluate him every four to six months to monitor progress and adjust his plan as needed.
June 23
Continue with Facebook
Continue with Email
Join
Your Privacy Choices
