Specialista in Ortopedia Pediatrica
After Pavlik harness / abduction brace
Home Exercise Program
Not every exercise listed here is suitable for every child: the selection is individual and is defined during the consultation.
1.Skin care and pressure-point checks
Prevents redness and irritation during and after the bracing period
At every change, check the groin creases, back of the knees, shoulders and top of the feet. Clean with lukewarm water and pat dry, avoiding greasy creams under the straps. Redness that fades within minutes is normal; a skin break, persistent redness or bad smell must be reported immediately. If the brace is still in use, never adjust the settings yourself.
At every diaper change and before sleep
2.Free movement on the floor
The most effective way to recover mobility after bracing
After removal, let the child spend as much time as possible on a mat in open space, in a diaper and comfortable clothes, free to kick, roll and bring the feet to the mouth. Minimise bouncers, walkers and seats. The child recovers range of motion on their own: no forced manoeuvres by the adult.
Several sessions daily, at least 30-60 minutes in total
3.Bicycle movements and gentle flexion-extension
Gradually restores full hip extension
Baby supine and calm. Support the legs at the calves and alternate slow pedalling with symmetric flexion and extension movements. Bring the legs down toward extension only as far as the child allows, never forcing. Best time: after the bath, when tissues are warm and relaxed.
1-2 minutes, 3-4 times daily
4.Symmetric hip opening
Maintains abduction mobility without pushing
With hips and knees flexed, gently guide the knees outward, comparing the two sides. The movement must be pain-free and symmetric. Report at the visit any persistent asymmetry, clicking or refusal to bear weight on one side.
5-8 slow repetitions, twice daily
5.Tummy time and motor milestone stimulation
Restores trunk strength and coordination after immobilization
Offer tummy time with a toy in front, then encourage rolling by moving a toy to the side and transition toward sitting with hand support. Follow the child's own initiative, without placing them in positions they cannot reach by themselves.
Several times a day during play
RED FLAGS - When to stop and contact the doctor immediately
Stop the exercises immediately and contact the specialist (or go to the emergency department if severe) if any of the following occur:
- Acute or sudden pain during exercise
- Significant swelling after exercises
- Pain that progressively worsens over days
- Fever or general malaise
- Difficulty walking or using the limb after exercises
- Any neurological symptoms (tingling, numbness, sudden weakness)
- Fever, redness or warmth of the joint, or inability to bear weight
In case of doubt, always prefer a check-up over continuing the exercises.
Dott. Daniele Priano
Ortopedia Pediatrica - ASST Gaetano Pini-CTO
ortopediaevolutiva.com • 26/08/2026
Versione Web
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MioDottoreBefore You Start
Who is this guide for?
Infants who completed Pavlik harness treatment. Mobilizations to recover full hip mobility.
What you need
Clear floor space, mat or soft surface, comfortable clothing. Some exercises may require resistance bands or supports.
Suggested frequency
Usually 1-2 times daily, as directed during the visit. Consistency is more important than intensity.
Common mistakes to avoid
- •Performing exercises too quickly without control
- •Pushing beyond the pain threshold
- •Skipping days or doing occasional very long sessions
- •Not warming up before strengthening exercises
⚠️ Red flags — when to stop and contact the doctor immediately
Stop exercises immediately and contact the specialist if any of the following occur:
- Acute or sudden pain during exercise
- Significant swelling after exercises
- Pain that progressively worsens over days
- Fever or general malaise
- Difficulty walking or using the limb after exercises
- Any neurological symptoms (tingling, numbness, sudden weakness)
Detailed Exercises
- 1
Skin care and pressure-point checks
Prevents redness and irritation during and after the bracing period
At every change, check the groin creases, back of the knees, shoulders and top of the feet. Clean with lukewarm water and pat dry, avoiding greasy creams under the straps. Redness that fades within minutes is normal; a skin break, persistent redness or bad smell must be reported immediately. If the brace is still in use, never adjust the settings yourself.
At every diaper change and before sleep - 2
Free movement on the floor
The most effective way to recover mobility after bracing
After removal, let the child spend as much time as possible on a mat in open space, in a diaper and comfortable clothes, free to kick, roll and bring the feet to the mouth. Minimise bouncers, walkers and seats. The child recovers range of motion on their own: no forced manoeuvres by the adult.
Several sessions daily, at least 30-60 minutes in total - 3
Bicycle movements and gentle flexion-extension
Gradually restores full hip extension
Baby supine and calm. Support the legs at the calves and alternate slow pedalling with symmetric flexion and extension movements. Bring the legs down toward extension only as far as the child allows, never forcing. Best time: after the bath, when tissues are warm and relaxed.
1-2 minutes, 3-4 times daily - 4
Symmetric hip opening
Maintains abduction mobility without pushing
With hips and knees flexed, gently guide the knees outward, comparing the two sides. The movement must be pain-free and symmetric. Report at the visit any persistent asymmetry, clicking or refusal to bear weight on one side.
5-8 slow repetitions, twice daily - 5
Tummy time and motor milestone stimulation
Restores trunk strength and coordination after immobilization
Offer tummy time with a toy in front, then encourage rolling by moving a toy to the side and transition toward sitting with hand support. Follow the child's own initiative, without placing them in positions they cannot reach by themselves.
Several times a day during play
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my child be delayed in walking after the brace?
A mild temporary delay in some motor milestones (rolling, sitting, crawling) is common because the child had less freedom of movement. In the vast majority of cases recovery is spontaneous and complete in the weeks after removal.
Do the legs stay stiff after removal?
In the first days the legs may look stiff or hold the brace position. With free movement, play and gentle mobilizations, mobility usually normalises within 2-4 weeks.