An atriovenous fistula is formed when a surgeon connects an artery and a vein together under your skin, usually in an arm. When your fistula is formed, it becomes enlarged as a result of high pressure in the artery. It can take about six weeks or up to two to three months for your fistula to mature enough to be used for dialysis. Certain exercises can help your fistula to mature and strengthen for use.
Before Exercising
Since your fistula is unique to you, your doctor will let you know when it is safe to start exercising it, so that is can mature properly. The incision should be healed and stitches removed before exercising begins to prevent any problems.
Hand Flexion
Sitting in a chair with your forearm resting on your thigh, hold a rubber tubing in your hand with the opposite end of the tubing held under your foot. Bend your wrist up, with your palms facing up, as far as possible. Return to starting position. Repeat five times, four times a day.
Wrist Flexion
Sit in a chair, holding your arm up and holding a one-pound dumbbell. Bend only your wrist up as far as possible. Hold for two seconds and return slowly. Repeat five times, four times a day.
Squeezing A Rubber Ball
Hold a rubber ball in your hand and squeeze it approximately every three seconds for 15 minutes, four times a day. While you are squeezing the ball, check the blood flow to your fistula with your other hand by feeling the "buzz."
Hand Wrist Extension
Sit in a chair with your forearm resting on your thigh and palm down. Hold a rubber tube in your hand with the other end held under your foot. Slowly lower your hand and raise up again, keeping your forearm on your thigh. Repeat five times, four times a day.
Wrist Extension
While sitting in a chair with your forearm lying on a table and your wrist over the edge of the table, hold a one-pound dumbbell. Lift the dumbbell up as far as it will go, while keeping your forearm on the table, and hold for two seconds. Slowly lower the dumbbell all the way down and hold for two seconds. Bring your wrist back up to starting position and repeat five times, four times a day.
Wrist - Ulnar Deviation
While standing with your arm hanging down your side and holding a one-pound dumbbell, bend your wrist sideways out towards your little finger and hold for two seconds. Return to starting position. Repeat five times, four times a day.
