Upper Limb Spasticity
Upper limb spasticity (limited strength/coordination in the arms and hands) is suffered by a full 70% of the stroke population. By three months post-stroke, 19% of people will experience spasticity, increasing to 38% after 12 months.
Normally your muscles are in constant communication with your brain about how much tension they're feeling, and the brain has to constantly monitor this tension to prevent tearing. Your brain continuously sends out messages telling your muscles when to contract and relax.
When a stroke damages part of the brain responsible for muscle control, this communication is thrown off.
Your spinal cord will react to protect your arms and hands from damage and often muscles will hold themselves contracted to prevent tearing.
Other symptoms may include:
- Clonus (a series of rapid muscle contractions).
- Muscle spasms.
- Scissoring (involuntary crossing of the legs).
- Fixed joints
Neurogripper
Upper Limb Task Training board
Stretching these muscles can be problematic as the faster a stretch is applied, the faster the spinal cord will react to contract and protect them.
There is no single, complete solution to muscle spasticity.
However, a very good start to counter progressive spasticity decline work can be made via a mix of:
- Constant stretching to keep your muscles long and also to enable the necessary mobility to perform tasks
- The introduction of an anti-spasticity drug if appropriate
- A progressive task-training programme
Repetition is the keyTraining should be done every day. Also, a large daily amount of task-specific work is required. Repetitions.
The ARNI method recommends starting with sessions guided by a qualified instructor. This is possible either online or in person. Please get in touch via the form below for more details on finding an instructor near you.
The sessions will often consist of a period of stretching followed by exercises performed using aids such as the Neurogripper and the Upper Limb Task Training board. (both shown above) These aids are a must-have to move your rehab journey to the next stage.
Your own hard work and determination. Plus a trained ARNI instructor is the MOST POWERFUL WAY (backed by clinical research) to regain that precious gift of strength and mobility.
Sally hadn't moved her right arm for thirteen months.Within a few minutes Dr Tom had her lifting her arm & gripping small objects, lifting them in the air, down & back to the table.
Peter's movement in his upper limb has greatly improved. This has been as a result of the stretching exercises that Peter has been shown by Carol through her training with ARNI, which he does regularly, followed by strength work using a light dumbbell.
As stroke survivor and ARNI patient Elizabeth put it:
"Whatever life throws at you, you can do it, nothing is impossible."