Elbow and Wrist Exercises and Stretches Flashcards
how can we stretch the biceps for elbow extension?
low load long duration stretch
biceps stretch in the doorway
t/f: supine is a better position for low load long duration biceps stretch in the clinic, but can have them do it in sitting on the couch at home
true
how can we do a low load, long duration stretch of the biceps for elbow extension?
by putting a bolster under the elbow and cuff weight around the wrist to let gravity and weight stretch the arm into extension
what can we add to a low load, long duration stretch?
heat, like US, on the muscle to promote relaxation
what are the parameters for a low load, long duration stretch?
start with 10 minutes and work up to 15 minutes with no weight then add weight as tolerated and when adding the weight, keep it proximal then move it distal
may want to start with 5 minute intervals up 3x then work up to 15 consecutive minutes
when an elbow is super tight and reactive, what position should the wrist/forearm be in to start for low load long duration stretch of the biceps?
in neutral
with low load, long duration stretching, should we increase weight or time first?
time
how can we stretch the triceps for elbow flexion?
low load long duration stretch
lean body weight into elbow flexion with forearms on the table or wall
use a strap to pull OH hand down in OH stretch
prayer stretch on the table with trunk flexion
how can we do a low load, long duration stretch of the triceps for elbow flexion?
put a weight around their wrist (can put a wedge and pillow under the arm to support it) and let gravity pull them into more flexion
how can we get a greater stretch of the triceps in an OH stretch with a strap pull it down?
face a wall and push the elbow against it to increase shoulder flexion
what is an Empi advance splint for the elbow?
a dial brace (DME) that allows flexion but pulls them back into extension with varying amount of tension in the spring mechanism
the Empi advance splint provides a constant ___ tension
extension
how is the Empi advance splint different from a dynasplint?
the dynasplint has a medial medial splint and lateral splint while the Empi advance brance just has the lateral splint
where should the axis of the Empi advance splint be?
at the axis of the elbow allowing the olecranon process to be in the open space
the Empi advance splint is not a good options for what pts?
pts with lots of tone
what are the parameters for wearing the Empi advance splint?
start wearing about 3-5 hours with low tension and increase tension on the dial as tolerated
once the Empi brace is tolerated in waking hours, what should happen?
they should wear the brace at night
more than ____ of soreness in the morning after wearing the Empi advance splint over night tells us that we should decrease the tension of the brace
30 minutes
how can we stretch pronation/supination?
with a hammer like weight in the hand allowing the weight and gravity to push them into either pronation or supination with a good amount of elbow flexion
TB around the wrist and stepping on the other end of it on the floor to promote pronation or supination
self stretch with the other hand giving overpressure into pronation or supination
what is something we have to look for when using a weight to stretch into pronation/supination?
make sure the pt is keeping a good grip on the weight bc if they loose their grip a bit it may look like the weight is going further into pronation/supination but is not actually
how can we stretch wrist flexion?
phallen sign stretch-backs of hands pressed together starting low and bringing them up towards the face
what pts would we not stretch flexion of the wrists?
pts with carpal tunnel syndrome bc it will elicit their symptoms
how can we stretch wrist extension?
prayer hands starting up high and bring them down
is the prayer hands stretch an isometric exercise?
no bc the pt should not be pushing their wrists together, just bringing them down until they feel a stretch