Category : Physical Therapy for Arm Injuries en | Sub Category : Range of Motion Exercises for Arms Posted on 2023-07-07 21:24:53
Arm injuries can be debilitating and affect our ability to perform simple everyday tasks. Physical therapy is often prescribed to help recover from these injuries and regain strength and function in the arms. Range of motion exercises are a crucial component of arm injury rehabilitation, as they help to improve flexibility and decrease stiffness in the joints.
One important range of motion exercise for arm injuries is shoulder flexion. This exercise involves raising your arm forward and upward as far as you comfortably can. You can do this exercise either standing or sitting, using a wand or a towel for assistance if needed. Start with your arm by your side and slowly raise it upward, keeping your elbow straight. Hold the stretch for a few seconds before slowly lowering your arm back down. Repeat this movement for a set number of repetitions to improve flexibility in your shoulder joint.
Another beneficial exercise is shoulder external rotation. This exercise helps to improve the range of motion and strength in the shoulder joint. To perform this exercise, stand with your elbow bent and close to your side, holding a resistance band or a light weight. Keeping your elbow stationary, slowly rotate your forearm outward, away from your body. Hold the position for a few seconds before returning to the starting position. Repeat the movement for a set number of repetitions to improve external rotation in your shoulder.
Wrist flexion and extension exercises are also important for arm injury rehabilitation. To perform wrist flexion, start by resting your forearm on a table with your hand hanging off the edge, palm facing down. Slowly curl your hand up towards your body, bending at the wrist joint. Hold the position for a few seconds before returning to the starting position. For wrist extension, flip your hand over so your palm faces up and slowly extend your hand back towards your body, feeling the stretch in your wrist flexors. Repeat these exercises for a set number of repetitions to improve flexibility and strength in your wrist joint.
Incorporating these range of motion exercises into your physical therapy routine can help to speed up your recovery from arm injuries and improve your overall function and mobility. It's important to perform these exercises consistently and gradually increase the intensity as your strength and range of motion improve. Remember to always consult with your healthcare provider or physical therapist before starting any new exercise routine, especially if you are recovering from an arm injury.