Encouraging the Return of Activity in the Arm and Hand and Minimising Associated Reactions

Abstract

In most hospitals and rehabilitation centres emphasis is placed on teaching the patient to walk again and on his becoming independent in the activities of daily living. As a result, his arm and hand often tend to be neglected, without specific treatment aimed at regaining functional activity. The patient becomes more and more skilled in managing all activities with his sound hand, and the full potential in the affected hand may never be fully developed. Even if no activity has appeared in the arm and hand it is important to treat them, as each part of the body affects the other parts. If the arm shows a marked associated reaction, pulling strongly in the spastic pattern of flexion, it will influence how the patient walks, hamper balance reactions and interfere with his ability to perform everyday tasks. Cosmetically, he will be distressed by the constant flexed position of his arm in front of his body which immediately draws attention to his disability.