Fist, then open
Gently bend the fingers into a fist, then straighten them fully.
Tap a picture. The video plays only that exercise, right here on the page.
4 sessions of 15 minutes, or 3 sessions of 20 minutes. Start shorter if she is tired, and add a little every day.
Example times: 10:00 · 13:00 · 16:00 · 19:00
Tap a box after each session today.
20-minute session: more repetitions, and add the leg movements from section 1.
Every time: if there is a tube, a bag or a line, check it before you start and follow the care team's instructions. On an arm with a line, only small, gentle movements.
She relaxes. Hold the arm or leg above and below the joint and move it slowly. Up to 10 times each side. Stop when you feel resistance.
Gently bend the fingers into a fist, then straighten them fully.
Hold the elbow and the wrist. Bring the hand toward the shoulder, then straighten.
Arm a little away from her side, elbow bent. Turn the forearm toward the body, then away.
Hold the elbow and the wrist. Lift the arm up toward her head, then lower it to her side.
Arm straight and supported. Move it out to the side, then back.
Hold the heel. Gently move the toes up toward her head.
Hold under the knee and the ankle. Bend the knee, then straighten. Small bend only.
Bring the leg a little toward the chest, then back. Small bend only.
Leg straight and supported. Move it away from the body, then back.
Knee bent, leg supported. Turn the leg in, then out.
Raise the head of the bed so she sits up. Start with 5 of each, then 10. Help her arm if she cannot do it alone.
Slow circles one way, then the other way.
Open the hands wide, then close them.
Touch each finger to the thumb, slowly, then open the hand.
Thumbs up. Lift the arms in front as far as is comfortable, then slowly down. Family members can do this one with her too.
Lift the arms out to the side, then slowly down.
Reach up, hold a moment, bring the arms down.
Arms straight, curl the hands up, then down.
Open the full video on YouTube (our part starts at 6:51)
About 5 times each. Even a tiny movement is good. Help her if she cannot do it alone.
Squeeze the thigh and push the back of the knee into the bed. Hold 3 to 5 seconds, relax.
Toes up toward her nose, then point them down.
Squeeze the bottom muscles together, hold a few seconds, relax.
One leg at a time. Slide the heel up a little, then back down. Slow.
Turn the toes out, then back in.
Slow and easy, to end the session.
5 circles out, then 5 circles in.
Knees straight. Toes point out, pause, then in. 10 times.
Elbows a little bent. 5 circles out, then 5 in.
Roll the shoulders up and back. 10 times.
Open the full video on YouTube (our part starts at 4:39)
Only when section 3 is easy for her. Skip the small sit-up at 0:40. The player here stops before it.
Slide the leg out to the side, then back in. Stop at 0:40: skip the sit-up that comes next.
Bring the heels up until the knees are bent, then down.
Knees bent. Let them go gently to one side, then the other.
Let one knee fall out to the side, then back in. Then the other leg.
Open the full video on YouTube (skip the sit-up at 0:40)
I am taking a short video for the family, so they can see how strong you are getting.
Send the video to the family on WhatsApp.
Family members want to do the arm movements with her too. When they visit, show them "Arms up and down" and do one session together.
Go to "Arms up and down"Add this line to the evening message to the family:
Exercises: how many sessions · how many minutes · which ones · how she was
Videos checked 04.10.2026. Videos by MD Anderson Cancer Center, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and More Life Health, played from YouTube.