Wheelchair Stretching: Reclined Position

This video demonstrates positioning the wheelchair to facilitate the stretching of the hips, hamstrings, and heel cords if feet are able to be flat on the footrest. This position has other benefits including helping to relieve pressure, relaxes the back, can take some pressure off of the diaphragm, and helps to open up the chest to improve respiration.

Disclaimer: This is a video of stretching exercises for mobility in someone with Duchenne. Stretching should not be painful. DO NOT continue to do the stretch if it causes pain, you notice difficulty breathing, or discomfort. Each stretch/position should be held for 30 seconds and can be repeated up to 3 times.

Benefits of these exercises vary: they may help to keep the joint mobile within its available range, may increase your tolerance to stretch, may improve circulation to the muscle, may decrease discomfort, and may give a feeling of well-being.

Consult your Physical Therapist to ask if these are appropriate for you.