Page 21 - Rehabilitation for Bedridden Elderly

Life Education

Ebook

Problem 6: Muscle & Joint Issues

● Disused muscles lose mass and strength, become weaker
and smaller

● Sarcopenia is reductions in the size of muscle fibres
● Immobility can cause contractures that are severe enough
to restrict the range of movement in major joints

Prevention of muscle atrophy and contracture:

● Active and passive exercise
● Use appropriate support for limb while placed in any position
● Splint, wedges, pillows for maintaining natural contour and
shape of body

● Provide comfort
● Medication to aid and pain relaxation can reduce
contracture

Types of mobilization:

● Passive range of motion (Please refer to the recorded
presentation for the video demonstration of the limb passive
movements exercise that you can do for the patient at home)
● Active range of motion
● Muscle stretching
● Muscle strengthening