Basic In-Bed exercises for patients during physical therapy

Patients can do a series of in-bed exercises in order to help them recover faster during therapy, always supervised by a nurse or doctor.

We propose a series of simple exercises that will help you maintain your joint mobility and muscle balance during your functional recovery process, distributed in a series of exercises in bed or lying down, others sitting and the rest standing with a support nearby (chair, wheelchair or walker).

Do them whenever your doctor, nurse or therapist indicate it. Try to do them several times a day, depending on your condition, starting with 8-10 repetitions of each exercise, twice a day, and increasing gently and progressively up to 3-4 times. Remember that it is also important to change your posture, every 2 or 3 hours, as well as to sit down, and if you can, take walks in the way and with the technical aids that have been indicated to you, ideally with supervision from a health professional. Perform the exercises without pain or with slight discomfort, progressively and with a reasonable frequency.

1) Hip flexion: Bring the thigh towards the chest, hold for 4-5 seconds, and slowly descend to the initial position.

2) Internal and external rotation of the hip: With the leg extended, rotate the entire leg inward and outward.

3) Hip abduction: With the leg extended, raise it slightly and separate it in the lateral plane up to about 40 degrees and return to the initial position.

4) Hip adduction: With the knees bent to about 90º, place an object between the knees, such as a ball or a towel, and hold it for about 4-5 seconds.

5) Knee extension: Raise the extended leg about 40cm, hold for about 4-5 seconds and slowly descend to the starting position.

6) Isometric contraction of quadriceps. Press the knee down as the toe of the foot approaches the subject, hold for 4-5 seconds and release pressure. A soft object can be placed under the knee, such as a towel.

7) Knee flexion: With the patient face down, bring the heel to the buttock while flexing the knees, hold for 4-5 seconds.

8) Ankle flexion and extension: With the leg extended, perform downward and upward movements with the ankle.

9) Shoulder flexion: Raise the extended arm about 90º, mobilize up and down about 30cm for 15 seconds and descend. You can add a weight of 1kg.

Remember not to push yourself too hard. If you are experiencing any pain or major discomfort, stop and talk to your doctor, nurse or therapist at once.