Wheelchair Stretching: Hamstring and Heel Cord

In a non-ambulatory person living with Duchenne, muscles in the hip, hamstring tendons, and the Achilles tendon (“heel cord”) often become tight over time. This video demonstrates how to position the wheelchair to facilitate stretching of the hamstrings and heel chords if feet are able to be flat on the footrest.

Disclaimer: This is a video of stretching exercises for mobility in someone with Duchenne. Stretching should not be painful. DO NOT continue to do the stretch if it causes pain, you notice difficulty breathing, or discomfort. Each stretch/position should be held for 30 seconds and can be repeated up to 3 times.

Benefits of these exercises vary: they may help to keep the joint mobile within its available range, may increase your tolerance to stretch, may improve circulation to the muscle, may decrease discomfort, and may give a feeling of well-being.

Consult your Physical Therapist to ask if these are appropriate for you.