Patient and Family Education
Myelomeningocele: Exercises for Your Baby
The stretches described and pictured below will help your baby’s range of motion and prevent their joints from getting stiff. Do the range of motion and stretching exercises with a check ☑ 2 to 3 times a day. Repeat each motion 3 times each session. Do the stretches as part of your baby’s daily activities like diaper changes. Gently and slowly, move your baby’s hips and legs as far as you can without resistance or pain.
Hip extension with knee flexion and ankle dorsiflexion - on tummy Gently bring your baby’s heel towards their bottom by bending at the knee. Then gently bring toes and foot towards the front of the lower leg.
Hip flexion, knee flexion and ankle dorsiflexion –on side Gently bring your baby’s knee in toward their tummy while keeping their knee bent. Gently bring the heel towards the bottom and toes toward the shin.
Hip abduction –on side With your baby on their side, bend the upper leg at the knee moving towards the chest. Then gently move the upper bent knee towards the ceiling. Gently hold their other leg straight.
Hip external rotation With your baby on their side, bend the upper leg at the knee moving towards the chest. While gently holding your baby’s leg in the bent position, rotate the knee out, away from their tummy while placing the foot flat on the lying surface. Gently hold their other leg straight.
Hip internal rotation With your baby on their side, bend the upper leg at the knee moving towards the chest. While gently holding your baby’s leg in a bent position, rotate the knee in towards their belly button while foot moves towards the ceiling. Gently hold their other leg straight.
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Ankle inversion Gently turn your baby’s foot toward the inside of their leg.
Ankle eversion Gently turn your baby’s foot towards the outside of the leg.
Ankle plantarflexion Gently stretch your baby’s foot down away from their leg.
Ankle dorsiflexion Gently stretch your baby’s foot up towards the front of the leg by holding your baby’s heel.
What if my child can’t lay on their back? We will give you a tummy lying positioner to take home if your baby can’t lie on their back. You will need to use it for sleeping times. You may use it to position your baby during stretching activities.
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To Learn More Will my child need a car seat? • OT/PT at If your baby is going home in a standard car seat, follow your medical team’s 206-987-2113, guidelines for the length of time they can stay in the car seat before taking a option 4 break. Your child’s care provider will let you know if your child is ready to use a standard car seat. • Ask your child’s If your child needs to stay on their tummy, we will arrange for you to have healthcare provider a car bed. We will teach you how to install and use it with your baby. • www.seattlechildrens.org What resources are available for my child? If you have any questions about caring for your child, you can call: Free Interpreter • Seattle Children’s OT/PT Department at 206-987-2113, option 4. Services • Seattle Children’s Neurodevelopmental Clinic at 206-987-2210. • In the hospital, ask • Washington State Early Intervention Services at 1-800-322-2588 or visit your child’s nurse. their website at www.del.wa.gov/providers-educators/early-support- infants-and-toddlers-esit/early-intervention-families . This resource will • From outside the guide you towards home-based therapies. hospital, call the toll-free Family Interpreting Line 1-866-583-1527. Tell the interpreter the name or extension you need.
Seattle Children’s offers interpreter services for Deaf, hard of hearing or non-English speaking patients, family members and legal representatives free of charge. Seattle Children’s will make this information available in alternate formats upon request. Call the Family Resource Center at 206-987-2201. 7/18 This handout has been reviewed by clinical staff at Seattle Children’s. However, your child’s needs are unique. Before you act PE2914 or rely upon this information, please talk with your child’s healthcare provider. © 2018 Seattle Children’s, Seattle, Washington. All rights reserved. Occupational and Physical Therapy 3 of 3