Shoulder Blade Protraction
Strengthening the muscles that balance the shoulders is vital for supporting smaller muscles and joints in the upper limbs. This shoulder blade [6] protraction activity may be able to reduce stiffness from spasticity in your arms and hands.
Follow these steps to do it:
- Sit in a chair and stretch your arms forward at shoulder height (if you are able to).
- Clasp your hands together and bend your neck forward.
- When you feel a gentle stretch, stay in that position for a few seconds.
- Release the position, put your arms down and relax for some seconds.
- Repeat 6 to 10 times.
Ball Squeeze
Hand exercises are used to ease stiffness from spasticity in the fingers. They are also used to build strength and skills, so you can hold and release objects. A small therapeutic ball is needed to do this exercise. Follow these steps to do it:
- Using your affected hand, hold the ball in your palm.
- Wrap your fingers over the ball and squeeze it
- Hold the squeeze for a few seconds, then let go
- Repeat up to 20 times in a row or do 2 sets of 10 steps