Many different pathologies can affect upper extremity motion. These might include acute or chronic diseases such as a stroke, neuropathies affecting upper extremity strength, arthritic conditions, or injuries. When upper extremity motion is comprised by any one of these conditions it becomes necessary to restore the lost motion as quickly as possible in order to regain function. This can easily be accomplished through self range of motion exercises. Consult your physician before embarking on this program.
Self Mobility for the Shoulder
You can perform self ROM for the shoulder, pain-free ranges only, in a variety of ways. The easiest way is to clasp your hands together or grasp the end or distal portion of your affected extremity with your unaffected hand and move your straightened affected arm through a series of motions: directly overhead, out to the side, and behind your back. You can also bend your affected elbow to 90 degrees and, with the involved arm at your side, bring the forearm toward your stomach or turned away from the body. It is also possible to grasp a cane or utilize the rolling motion of a Swiss ball on a table to perform similar self mobility exercises for the shoulder.
Self-Range of Motion for the Elbow
Self range of motion for the elbow is less complex. Since this joint only has four motions, it is necessary to clasp your hands together and simply bend and straighten the elbow. It is also necessary to mobilize the elbow into supination and pronation, the turning movements of the elbow joint. Sit on a chair with armrests, clasp your involved hand with your uninvolved hand, and turn your palm and forearm upward and downward.
Self Mobility for the Wrist Joint
Sit on a chair with armrests as noted above, and clasp the second to fifth fingers of your involved hand with your unaffected hand. Bring your affected hand upward, bending the wrist joint backward, also known as extension. You can also bend the wrist downward, flexing it at the wrist joint, and from side to side. These sideways motions are known as ulnar and radial deviation, away from and toward your body respectively.
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