Home » Traumatic Brain Injury Blog RSS » Exercises to Lift a Stiff/Heavy Leg

Exercises to Lift a Stiff/Heavy Leg

Following a neurologic injury, some people experience a leg that feels stiff, heavy, or both. This can make walking difficult.  In this video, you will learn the best exercise routine to relearn how to lift the leg more efficiently and minimize the sensation of having a “heavy leg”.

What causes the leg to feel stiff? 

Damage to the neurologic system can cause two problems that significantly impact the body’s ability to move. These are spasticity and abnormal synergy patterns. Spasticity, an involuntary muscle contraction, in the quadriceps (muscles that straighten the knee) can make the knee difficult to bend while walking. This can cause the leg to feel like it is stuck to the ground. An abnormal synergy pattern can also cause the knee to want to stay locked out straight. Both of these movement problems can make the leg feel heavy and make walking difficult

What are the best exercises for a stiff or heavy leg? 

The best place to start is lying down with the knees bent. Starting with the knees bent will make it easier to lift the leg. Lying down, can help the body to stay more relaxed and may minimize the impact of the abnormal muscle synergy and spasticity noted above. 

heavy leg exercise 1

Next, try starting with the leg starting from a more extended position. 

heavy leg exercise 2

If that is too difficult, you might want to try using the core max to assist

Next, you can move on to trying to bring the leg forward in standing. Use something under your foot to make it easier to bring forward. I recommend a mini skateboard

Once you can bring the leg straight forward, try adding a step

step up exercise for a stiff leg

Once you can lift the leg up onto a small step, try working the end range of hip flexion

end range hip flexion exercise

One final recommendation that I have is to use a tool to help you work on lifting the leg while walking. A resistance band belt can significantly help to “normalize” your walking pattern if you have a heavy leg. 

assisted hip flexion exercise

 

 

 

 

Other articles you may be interested in: 

Exercises to Lift a Stiff/Heavy Leg

Exercises to Lift a Stiff/Heavy Leg

https://youtu.be/4Op-qbT4yjo Following a neurologic injury, some people experience a leg that feels stiff, heavy, or both. This can make walking difficult.  In this video, you will learn the best exercise routine to relearn how to lift the leg more efficiently and…

Stroke Arm Rehab Daily Exercise Routine

Stroke Arm Rehab Daily Exercise Routine

A stroke or damage to the neurons in the brain can cause the inability to move the arm. It can also cause stiff and tight arm muscles. A stroke arm rehab routine should incorporate the principles of neuroplasticity (the ability of the brain to rewire when presented…

Complete guide to foot drop

Complete guide to foot drop

Guide to Foot Drop The peroneal nerve includes a branch of the sciatica nerve that enables movement and supplies sensation to one’s feet, toes, and lower legs. Peroneal neuropathy or common peroneal dysfunction results from nerve damage outside the brain or spinal…

Fix a forward flexed posture

Fix a forward flexed posture

Do you ever have any “well-meaning” therapist tell you to stand up taller? 😬🤷🏻‍♀️ Well, you would not be alone. This is a pretty common problem that has a few different root causes.  What causes a forward flexed posture?  Weakness Weak hip muscles can potentially lead…

Can’t lift a stiff leg? Try this.

Can’t lift a stiff leg? Try this.

Can’t lift a stiff leg? This is a pretty common problem that has a few different root causes. Knowing the root cause is the best way to identify the best exercises. What can make it difficult to lift a stiff leg?  Weakness Weakness in the muscles that flex the hip…

Spasticity: Does fear make it worse?

Spasticity: Does fear make it worse?

Fear can be a crazy thing. And in some cases can be the root cause of spasticity. Yup, negative emotions can actually make spasticity worse.  And in this case, I am going to lump situational fear and anxiety together. What I mean is that maybe you are walking really…

Ankle Contractures: Best and worst treatments

Ankle Contractures: Best and worst treatments

One of many problems when the neurologic system is damaged are ankle contractures.  A contracture is where the soft tissue structures surrounding a joint shorten causing loss of movement.   What Causes a Contracture? There are several factors that can lead to an ankle…

Clonus: Causes and Treatment

Clonus: Causes and Treatment

Clonus is an involuntary, rhythmic muscle contraction followed by a relaxation. It is a sign that there is damage to the brain and/or the spinal cord (upper motor neuron). More specifically, the part of the nervous system that controls movement (descending motor…

The post Exercises to Lift a Stiff/Heavy Leg appeared first on Rehab HQ.

Leave a reply