How to Do Physical Therapy Exercises for the Feet

Physcial therapy exercises help keep blood flowing and muscles working in certain parts of the body. Most physical therapy exercises are a series of simple stretches that start out easy and get more difficult as the muscles gain more strength. Physical therapy is an important part of recovery, as it will help a patient gain strength and speed up the recovery process.

• Stand with your right foot slightly in front of your left foot. Lift your foot slightly so that the heel is left touching the ground. Slowly lift the foot higher until you feel your muscles pull tight. Lean your body forward towards your foot. Hold this stretch for five seconds and then switch feet and repeat.


• Stand facing a set of steps. Place only the balls of your feet on a step and let your heals hang off the back. Slowly raise up on your toes. Hold this position for five seconds and then lower yourself back down to the balls of your feet. Repeat as many times as desired.


• Sit flat on the floor with your back against a wall and your feet extended in front of you. Place an exercise band around the arches of your feet. Pull the band back with your arms while keeping your back against the wall. Drop your toes to the ground and stretch the exercise band forward. Hold for five seconds and slowly bring your feet back to the original position. Repeat as many times as desired or is comfortable.


• Set on the edge of a chair. Place your left foot flat on the floor. Bend your right leg and place your ankle on your left knee. Stretch the toes of your right foot back toward your right knee. Hold this stretch for five seconds and then slowly lower your foot back to the original position. Repeat as many times as desired. Switch feet and repeat the stretch.