Post-Stroke Exercises (Part 1: Upper Limb)
Stroke may cause paralysis to one part of the body and the patients may find it difficult to move in bed. It is important that patients are positioned comfortably and correctly. It is important to change the positions of patients regularly so as to minimize the risk of skin breakdown ,contact chest and chest complications.
Range of motion exercises for the upper limb for the shoulder joint support a weaker arm with one hand under the elbow and the other hand under the wrist. Lifted arm forward and upwards towards the patient’s head as far as you can hold for 20 seconds.
Remember not to pull the arm or force a stiff joint always watch for pain next with the same hand positions. Bring the arm upwards away from the patient’s body hold for 20 seconds for the elbow joints with one hand supporting the elbow joint and the other hand holding onto the wrist.
Bend the elbow by bringing the wrist to the shoulder as far as you can next straighten the elbow as far as you can next with the same plane. Hold turn the forum such that the palm now faces down turn the opposite direction so the palm faces up for the wrist support the part of the forearm close to the wrist with one hand and the other hand with your other hand.
Bend the wrist forward as far as you can bend the wrist backwards as far as you can for the fingers.
Bend the fingers and wrist forward as far as you can next straighten and stretch the fingers and wrists backwards as far as you can remember to stabilize the wrist with one hand support the fingers and wrist move the thumb away from the fingers and back towards the fingers.
Next move the thumb forward and away from the palm as far as you can and bring it back towards the palm.
Next bring the thumb forwards and round to touch the base of the fist finger and back to its original position some important points to note for all movements try to encourage the patient to participate together with you to try to increase the muscle activity of the weaker limbs for all the stretches shown.
Do not bounce or check the joints instead maintain a sustained stretch perform the movements slowly ensure that the joints are well stretches. Do not move the limb just by holding onto its end always monitor for pain and discomfort.
Never force a joint to move beyond what he can instead take the joint gently to its limits and sustain a comfortable yet firm stretch. Please consult a physiotherapist if you’re unsure of the exercises shown. As a doctor for a referral to a neurological physiotherapist this is available in other hospitals as well as rehabilitation centers in a community.
