Patient Information

Home Based Physical Therapy

Choose the exercise guide for your symptoms. Move gently, stay in a comfortable range, and follow your clinician’s specific instructions.

Exercise Guide

Low Back and Leg Pain Exercises

Core stability and gentle strengthening. Click an exercise marked “Watch video” to see it demonstrated.

Abdominal brace

1Abdominal brace

Lie on your back with knees bent. Gently tighten your abdomen as if bracing for a cough. Keep breathing. Hold 5 seconds; repeat 8–10 times.

Pelvic tilt

2Pelvic tilt

On your back with knees bent, gently flatten your low back toward the mat, then relax. Move slowly. Repeat 10 times.

Single knee to chest

3Single knee to chest

Bring one knee toward your chest until you feel a gentle stretch. Keep the other knee bent. Hold 10–20 seconds; repeat twice per side.

4Glute bridge

Tighten your abdomen and buttocks; lift hips only as high as comfortable without arching your back. Hold 3 seconds; repeat 8–10 times.

Bird dog

5Bird dog

On hands and knees, extend opposite arm and leg while keeping hips level and back steady. Hold 3–5 seconds; do 6 per side.

Dead bug — heel tap

6Dead bug — heel tap

On your back, gently brace. Lower one heel to tap the floor, then return. Keep your back comfortable and steady. Do 6–8 per side.

Modified side plank

7Modified side plank

Lie on your side with knees bent and elbow under shoulder. Lift hips so shoulders, hips and knees align. Hold 5–10 seconds; repeat 3 times per side.

Chair sit-to-stand

8Chair sit-to-stand

From a sturdy chair, lean forward and stand using your legs; sit slowly with control. Keep a comfortable back position. Repeat 8–10 times.

Exercise Guide

Neck and Arm Pain Exercises

Gentle mobility, posture, and strengthening. Click an exercise marked “Watch video” to see it demonstrated.

Chin tuck

1Chin tuck

Sit tall and look straight ahead. Glide your chin straight back, making a gentle “double chin”; do not look down. Hold 3–5 seconds; repeat 8–10 times.

Gentle neck rotation

2Gentle neck rotation

Slowly turn your head to look over one shoulder, staying within a comfortable range. Return to center. Repeat 5–8 times per side.

Side-bend stretch

3Side-bend stretch

Keep shoulders relaxed. Gently bring one ear toward that shoulder without raising the shoulder. Hold 10–15 seconds; repeat twice per side.

Levator scapula stretch

4Levator scapula stretch

Turn your head about 45° to one side, then gently look down toward that armpit. Hold 10–15 seconds; repeat twice per side.

Shoulder-blade squeeze

5Shoulder-blade squeeze

Sit or stand tall. Draw shoulder blades gently back and down without shrugging. Hold 5 seconds; repeat 10 times.

Isometric neck press

6Isometric neck press

Keep head neutral. Press hand lightly into forehead without moving your head; repeat at back and each side. Hold 3–5 seconds, 3 times each direction.

Gentle upper-trapezius stretch

7Gentle upper-trapezius stretch

Sit tall and gently tilt one ear toward that shoulder. Use no or very light hand assistance; never pull hard. Hold 10–15 seconds; repeat twice per side.

Supported upper-back extension

8Supported upper-back extension

Sit against a sturdy chair back. Support your head with hands and gently extend upper back over the chair. Keep neck comfortable. Repeat 5 times.