12 Upper Extremity
Shoulder External Rotation
- Client position: Seated upright with back supported
- Instructions: Start with your elbows bent at 90 degrees and close to your sides. Using a cane or broom stick, use one hand to gently and slowly push the stick into the palm of the opposite hand to guide it outwards from the body. Repeat on opposite arm.
- Hold for 30-60 seconds
Shoulder Flexion
Position Option #1:
- Client position: Standing at a wall
- Instructions: Stand facing the wall, close enough to place your hand on it. Position the side of your hand against the wall with your thumb pointing toward you (as if giving a “thumbs-up” sign sideways). Slowly slide or walk your hand up the wall, allowing your shoulder to move into a flexed position. Once you reach your maximum range, gently lean forward to deepen the stretch.
- Hold for 30-60 seconds.
Position Option #2:
- Client position: Lying on back
- Instructions: Lie on your back on a firm surface with your arms resting at your sides. Position your thumb pointing toward you so that your palm is facing inward. Use your opposite hand to gently lift and guide your affected arm overhead, moving it as far as comfortable. Apply light pressure with your opposite hand to deepen the stretch, stopping at a gentle stretch or natural resistance.
- Hold for 30-60 seconds
Shoulder Abduction
- Client position: Seated upright with back supported
- Instructions: With your thumb pointed toward the ceiling, slowly raise your arm away from your body to the side and overhead until you feel a slight stretch. If able, use your opposite arm to apply pressure.
- Hold for 30-60 seconds
Elbow Flexion/Extension
- Client position: Seated upright with back supported
- Instructions: Bend your elbow as far as you can, moving your hand toward your shoulder. Apply pressure with your opposite hand. Then, straighten your elbow as far as you can, applying light pressure with your opposite hand.
- Hold for 30-60 seconds.
Forearm Rotation
- Client position: Seated upright with arm supported
- Instructions: With elbow bent and arm supported on a surface, use your opposite hand to rotate your hand and forearm so your palm is facing up toward the ceiling. Then, rotate your hand and forearm so your palm is facing down toward the ground.
- Hold each position for 10-15 seconds, alternating 4 times
Wrist Flexion/Extension
- Client position: Seated upright with arm supported
- Instructions: With palm faced down, bend your wrist and move your hand toward the ground. Then, bend your wrist to move the top of your hand toward the ceiling.
- Hold for 30-60 seconds
Finger Flexion/Extension
- Client position: Seated upright with arm supported
- Instructions: Slowly curl fingers into a fist, then straighten them out
- Repeat motion for 30-60 seconds
Finger Touches
- Client position: Seated upright with arm supported
- Instructions: Hold your hand in a relaxed, open position with your fingers extended. Move your thumb to touch the tip of each finger starting with index finger and moving to the pinky finger. Reverse the sequence and work your way back to your index finger.
- Repeat 4 times on each hand