Passive range of motion – The aim is for the joint to pass through flexion and extension. This is a good exercise to improve your dog’s joint health, mobilising your dog’s joint through its natural range of motion improves joint nutrition, local blood supply increases, reduces swelling and lymphatic fluid and prevents stiffening of the joint. N.B. you can perform this exercise standing up, however much easier for you and your dog if they are laying down.
One hand above, and one hand below the wrist. Push with thumb into flexion and extension.
** These movements are PASSIVE and are performed preferably with your pet lying down, one joint at a time. Try and think of each joint as an individual “pivot” point with the other joints remaining static while the “pivot” joint is moving. Do not force flexion or extension of any joint as this could cause muscle/tendon injury; your pet will let you know what is comfortable.
PROM helps to promote joint integrity by moving the synovial fluid around within the joint, thus flushing out cartilage degrading enzymes. PROM also helps to stimulate mechanoreceptors on the joint capsule surface, helping to promote recovery from neurological injury.