Passive exercise, when we move the limb

Passive exercise

Passive exercise is when someone else moves the arm or leg for the patient. The person does not do the work themselves, because they cannot yet move that limb on their own.

This matters early after a stroke or when a person is very weak or bedridden. Moving the limb keeps joints loose, helps blood flow, and prevents stiffness that would slow recovery later.

Our physiotherapist performs these movements slowly and safely, then teaches the caregiver to do them daily. As strength returns, we shift the person toward moving on their own. The exercises change step by step as the person improves.