Exercises for the left arm and shoulder help people recover from a stroke that originated on the right hemisphere of the brain. Damage to the right hemisphere commonly results in weakness on the left side, vision problems, impulsive behavior and overconfidence in abilities. Exercises for the right side of the body help people with a different set of symptoms including slow behavior and problems with language and speech that happen from a left hemisphere stroke.
Passive Range of Motion
Passive and active range of motion exercises are helpful for stroke victims to recover flexibility and mobility of the shoulder and arm. Passive range of motion exercises do not require a stroke survivor to do anything. A helper moves the arm and shoulder for you. Range of motion exercises for the left arm and shoulder improve blood flow to the shoulder, elbow and wrist joints. This reduces swelling and stimulates the left arm. It may also prevent blood clots.An example of a passive range of motion exercise is to bend the fingers, wrist and elbow of the left arm. The helper slowly bends one finger at a time, then the wrist and the elbow as far as each joint will go but without pain.
Active Range of Motion
Active range of motion exercises are for stroke survivors who are able to move their left arm and shoulder. Your doctor or caregiver should be your resource for whether these exercises are right for you. Active exercises provide the same benefits as passive exercises. However, active exercises also strengthens the arm and shoulder muscles because you utilize your own strength to perform the exercises. An example of an active range of motion for the left arm is to raise your left arm out to the side and over your head. Another one is to extend your left arm forward and up overhead.
Isometric Exercises
Isometric exercises build strength in the shoulder and arm to prevent shoulder subluxation. Shoulder subluxation is a common occurrence for stroke victims whose weak side is vulnerable to a partial dislocation that defines this condition. The humerus bone of the upper arm drops down and out of the shoulder joint due to weak or spastic muscles. Performing isometric exercises for the left shoulder increase strength in the shoulder muscles. Two examples include shoulder adduction and shoulder abduction. To perform the left shoulder adduction exercise, squeeze a pillow against your chest for five seconds. To perform the left shoulder abduction exercise, bend your left arm to make a right angle and place it sideways against a wall. Then, press your arm outwards and into the wall for five seconds.
Tubing Exercises
Tubing exercises are strengthening exercises for the shoulder that use a resistance band. Strength training exercises with bands and small weights improve stroke victim's ability to complete activities of daily living. Tubing exercises also prevent and treat shoulder subluxations. To strengthen the back of the left arm and shoulder, perform the tubing extension exercise. Tie one end of a resistance band to a doorknob and hold the other end in your left hand. Stand facing the door with your left arm straight at your side and then extend your arm backwards.
References
- UPMC Rehabilitation Institute: The Days and Months After a Stroke
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Post-Stroke Rehabilitation Fact Sheet
- Drugs.com: Active Range Of Motion Exercises
- Reuters; Strength Training Aids Stroke-weakened Hands, Arms; Joene Hendry; 2010
- Ohio Health; Patient & Family Education... Shoulder Subluxation; 1999
- Kapiolani Orthopaedic Associates; A Guide to Shoulder Subluxation; Dr. Robert C. Drukin, et al.
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