Abstract: An apparatus and a method apply lateral force to the joints of a leg of a person. The apparatus includes a generally inelastic interconnecting medium having a first end and a second end. A cuff is attached to the first end of the interconnecting medium. The cuff is sized to receive a portion of a foot of the leg to which the lateral force is to be applied. An engager is connected at the second end of the interconnecting medium to attach the interconnecting medium to a substantially stationary object. When the person pulls on the foot in the cuff in a direction away from the substantially stationary object, the foot remains substantially in one location, and a bending moment or a lateral force is applied to the joints of the leg to provide therapeutic relief to the leg joints without requiring the assistance of another person.