Precice and Stryde nail lengthening exercise programme

This resource has been designed to help you remember the exercises your therapist taught and practiced with you. The exercises should be done slowly and smoothly. You may have some discomfort while doing these exercises after your surgery.

If pain limits your ability to do your exercises, then timing them around your pain relief may be helpful. However, if the pain becomes worse please seek advice from a healthcare professional and stop the exercises.

How many times should I do these exercises?

It is recommended that each exercise should be repeated 10 times and be done a minimum of 3 to 4 times a day. Make sure the exercises are staggered throughout the day.

How do I manage my swelling?

Swelling is common in the first few weeks following an injury or surgery. Elevating your leg will be necessary. Proper elevation means your leg should be positioned above the level of the heart. You can use pillows or cushions at home to do this.

What happens next?

You may continue to be seen for therapy at Sheffield Children’s Hospital or you may be referred for ongoing treatment at a local Trust. However, it is important to continue with the exercises you have been given during your inpatient stay until you are seen by outpatient physiotherapy. This will make sure you get the best outcomes for your rehabilitation journey.

Exercises

Ankle pumps

1. Start lying on your back with your legs straight and together.
2. Bend and straighten your ankles by pointing your toes down towards the bottom of the bed or floor
3. Pull your toes up as far as you can.

Repeat 10 times.

Static quads (knee squashes)

1. Start lying on your back with your legs straight and together.
2. Push your knee down firmly towards the bed or floor and keep your toes pointing upwards.
3. Hold for 5 seconds then relax your leg.

Repeat 10 times.

Inner range quads

1. Start lying on your back with a rolled towel under your knee.
2. Point your foot and toes upwards.
3. Straighten your knee as much as you can whilst keeping your knee still and stable on the roll, lifting your heel off the bed.
4. Hold for 5 seconds then relax your leg.

Repeat 10 times.

Knee bends

1. Start lying on your back with your legs straight and together.
2. Bend your knee as far as possible by bringing your heel towards your bottom then straighten.

Repeat 10 times.

Hip flexion (knee to chest)

1. Start lying on your back with your legs straight and together.
2. Bend your hip as far as possible by bringing your knee towards your chest then straighten.

Repeat 10 times.

Static glutes (bottom squeeze)

1. Start lying on your back and squeeze your bottom firmly together.
2. Hold for 5 seconds then relax.

Repeat 10 times.

Hip abduction (scissor)

1. Start lying on your back with your legs straight and together.
2. Bring your leg out to the side, keeping it straight with your knee and toes pointing upwards.
3. Return it back to the starting position.

Repeat 10 times.

Prone lying (tummy time)

1. Start lying on your front.
2. Keep your hips straight and knees together as much as your are able.
3. Lie on your tummy for a minimum of 30 minutes.

Repeat 2 times daily.

Prone lying knee bend

1. Start lying on your front.
2. Keep your hips straight and knees together as much as you are able.
3. Bend your knee as far as possible by bringing your heel towards your bottom, keeping your ankle flexed.
4. Hold for 5 seconds then relax.

Repeat 10 times.

Prone lying (leg lift)

1. Start lying on your front.
2. Keep your hips straight and knees together as much as you are able.
3. With your knee bent, lift your foot towards the ceiling and lower it back down.

Repeat 10 times.

Then, with your knee straight lift your foot towards the ceiling and lower it back down.

Repeat 10 times.

Seated knee bends

1. Sitting upright on a chair.
2. Slowly bend your knee as much as possible.
3. Return to the starting position.

Repeat 10 times.

Walking

Weight-bearing is a crucial part of healing, however, your weight-bearing status will depend upon the intramedullary nail system used and the rate of healing which will be determined by your orthopaedic consultant.

You many need to learn how to use a walking frame or elbow crutches to help with your balance when walking.