Stretching

Limb lengthening is not only lengthening of the bone, but the soft tissue surrounding the bone as well. Therefore, the flexibility of your muscles and tendons play a crucial role in limb lengthening.

It is strongly recommended to carry out stretching exercises through the entire procedure. Patients may also benefit greatly by doing stretching exercises before the operation.

The main muscle groups that require your attention are listed below in the order of priority;

1. Hip Flexor (Very important)

2. Quadriceps (Very important)

3. Hamstring (Very important)

4. Calves

5. Adductors

6. Buttocks

On the following pages we will go through how to stretch each muscle group. Please read the text on each page before executing the exercises.

Basic rules of stretching

Warm up first. Stretching muscles when they're cold increases your risk of injury, including pulled muscles. Warm up by walking while gently pumping your arms, or do a favorite exercise at low intensity for five minutes. Always use the opportunity to stretch after you exercise (when your muscles are warm and more receptive to stretching).

Stretching exercise: every area (ventral/dorsal/lateral/medial) should be stretched in two cycles. Begin with the ventral area. Do the stretching exercise until the tension hurts and hold this for 2 min. Then go a bit further for another 30 sec. After that change to the next area. Once the cycle is finished (stretching was done in all four areas), start the second cycle

How often: As a general rule, always stretch whenever you exercise. Prior to the surgery, try to do at least one session of stretching (all muscle groups) 4-5 times per week. Remember; the more flexible you are before the surgery the easier your lengthening will be

Exercise 2