An AV -- arteriovenous -- fistula refers to an abnormal connection between a vein and artery. The area of your body with an AV fistula receives less blood supply. Dialysis patients often use AV fistulas for easier dialysis treatment. A surgeon creates the AV fistula in your arm. Your physician may prescribe exercises to help the AV fistula mature and become more effective.
Handgrips
This exercise is beneficial if you are a dialysis patient with an AV fistula created under the direction of your doctor. Handgrips improve the maturation of a fistula immediately following surgery to create the AV fistula. You will use handgrips daily for eight weeks following surgery, according to the National Institutes of Health. Your doctor will determine the amount of daily use.
Stress Balls
It usually takes three to four months for an AV fistula to become effective. For this reason, AV fistulas are normally inserted months before starting dialysis. While at home, your doctor may encourage you to frequently squeeze a stress ball in order to speed up the maturation of the fistula.
Resistance Band Wrist Flexion
This exercise helps to enlarge the veins in your arm in order to prepare them for dialysis. Using a resistance band, place one end underneath your foot as you sit in a sturdy chair. Hold the other end of the resistance band with your affected arm. Rest your forearm on your thigh with the palm side of your hand facing the ceiling. Bend your wrist up slowly and as far as possible. Your forearm should never leave your thigh. Complete this exercise as directed by your doctor or physical therapist.
Weighted Wrist Flexion
Use a light weight - 3 lbs. or less -- to complete this exercise. If a weight is not available, use a can of food or a hammer. Rest your arm on a table so that your wrist is hanging over the edge with your palm down. Grasp the weight in your hand. Slowly raise your wrist and hold it for a few seconds. Lower your wrist again and repeat.
Resisted Forearm Supination
Complete this exercise while seated or standing. Place the affected arm palm down on your thigh. Use your other hand to hold the arm in place. Slowly turn your hand up as far as you can while applying light resistance with your opposite hand. Hold this position for a few seconds. Relax and repeat at the direction of your doctor.
