Passive exercise techniques are used to improve strength, balance, coordination, range of motion, and to reprogram normal function. Slings and exercise balls help support weight during exercise and stretching. Range of motion exercise and stretching are especially important to improve joint mobility after surgery or for patients with chronic conditions. At Healing Touch, we monitor flexibility and other factors and adjust therapy programs accordingly.

Proprioception, or the awareness of posture and limb position both at rest and in motion, is an important consideration during passive exercise. Shifting a patient side-to-side triggers a response to the change in center of gravity. Wobble boards and other simple rehabilitative tools promote proprioception and better balance and coordination.

Neuromuscular reprogramming can result in improvement for some cases of neurologic dysfunction. During exercise activity, such as walking in the underwater treadmill or swimming in the indoor heated pool, a therapist manipulates affected limbs to simulate normal function. "Going through the motions" of normal activity reinforces neuromuscular feedback mechanisms and programs the body to perform those activities.