After surgery or injury to the lower leg, it is vital that comprehensive physiotherapy is undertaken so that the patient regains full mobility. This is especially the case with patients who have undergone hip or knee replacement surgery. There are a great deal of leg exercises capable of working all the major muscle groups and strengthening the legs, but many of these need to be performed with the aid of a trained physiotherapist and can cause additional injury if not performed correctly. Such exercises can also help to prevent Deep Vein Thromboses (DVTs) and other related problems.

The Ortho-Glide® is designed for easy use either when the patient is alone or has the help of a nurse or physiotherapist. It is intended to replace the use of a tubigrip “donut” and provide a convenient and reusable way of applying the right type of exercise to the lower and upper leg muscles and joints. In this way, it provides leg-strengthening, as well as added leg flexibility.

Place the self-adhesive pad on the yellow plastic base with the tongue of the pad aligned with the cut out area of the circular rim of the base (Image 1).

The pad should be placed centrally so that the insert pad covers the whole of the central rim evenly to ensure comfort during use.

The Ortho-Glide® is designed so that you can use it while either sitting or lying down (Images 5 & 6).

Place your heel into the cup and on top of the pad so that the small tongue is facing you (Image 2).

Now slowly bend you knee, sliding the Ortho-Glide® towards you keeping your toes pointing upwards (Image 3).

Complete one cycle by extending your leg away from you again. Repeat this action, gradually increasing range and speed as your joints regain flexibility. As flexibility and confidence grow, the simple sliding exercise can be repeated using an elastic band attached to a nearby fixed object. By gradually increasing the tension on the band to build resistance, the exercise will aid muscle building (Image 4).

The Ortho-Glide® can also be used to perform side to side or circular sliding exercises to improve general flexibility and assist in joint rehabilitation and muscle toning.

Important: under no circumstances stand on the Ortho-Glide®, as it may slip causing you to fall. One insert pad should be used per person, and this should be replaced when it becomes soiled or worn down.

The plastic base can withstand multiple steam sterilisation cycles but MDTi recommend that it is replaced after two years of use.

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