30.4.5  Preventing stiff joints and muscles

Figures 30.5 to 30.8 illustrate some of the ways you and the caregivers can help a patient to exercise their joints and muscles to prevent stiffness and contraction due to pain, or lying still for a long time.

The elbow being exercised by gently bringing the hand as close as possible to the shoulder.
Figure 30.5  Exercise the elbow by gently bringing the hand as close as possible to the shoulder.
The wrist is exercised by moving it around in circles.
Figure 30.6  Exercise the wrist by moving it around in circles.
The shoulder is exercised by lifting the arm up and bringing it behind the head.
Figure 30.7  Exercise the shoulder by lifting the arm up and bringing it behind the head and gently laying it back as far as possible.
The knee is exercised by bringing it as close as possible to the chest.
Figure 30.8  Exercise the knee by lifting the thigh up and bringing it close to the chest as far as possible.

30.4.4  Hygienic care of the body

30.5  End-of-life care