Heel slides (facilitated)

Heel slides are early exercises to help trigger the quads into action, and also to maintain early range of motion.

If the muscles are too weak to do a heel slide unassisted, you can use your hands to just start the heel sliding and control the movement.

In case you cannot see the video, here is a still sequence -

Sit on the bed with your legs out straight and your back supported. Wearing socks and placing an inverted tea-tray under the lower leg helps to make this exercise easier.

Slide the heel up the tea-tray, using your hands to help bend the knee.

Hold the bent position for a few seconds, and then slowly slide the heel down again. Repeat 5 times and then repeat the exercise with the other leg.

A-Z of Rehabilitation Exercises

Heel slides are early exercises to help trigger the quads into action, and also to maintain early range of motion.