Home exercise programs are typically prescribed following a comprehensive therapy evaluation by a therapist so that the exercises are specific to each patient’s impairments. However, to make care more accessible during the Covid-19 pandemic, the below exercise programs have been created to address common upper extremity problems. Please click on the orange titles below for the corresponding exercise program that a therapist or physician has recommended to you. If you are experiencing an increase in symptoms or have concerns, discontinue the exercise and contact our therapy department at (920) 730-8833, and a therapist will assist you.
- Avoid activities or ranges of motion that are painful but continue to use your arm functionally.
- Be mindful of your posture, bring your shoulder blades up and back at rest and during activity.
- Only complete the exercises in a pain free range.
Please call the therapy department with any questions.
- Be mindful of your posture both at rest and with activity. Focus on keeping your shoulder blades up and back.
- Take 5 minutes twice a day to complete slow, deep diaphragmatic breathing.
- Try to sleep on your back with pillow placed underneath each arm.
- Do not progress to the theraband exercises until your symptoms are improving.
Please call the therapy department with any questions.
- Avoid performing lifting and gripping activities with your palm down.
- Try to complete tasks with your palm facing up.
- Hold items close to your body.
- Avoid long reaches and repetitive gripping.
Please call the therapy department with any questions.
- Avoid performing lifting and gripping activities with your palm up.
- Try to complete tasks with your palm facing up down.
- Hold items close to your body.
- Avoid long reaches and repetitive gripping.
Please call the therapy department with any questions.
- Avoid end range wrist motion during activities and at night.
- Consider using a wrist brace at night to maintain a neutral position.
- Exercises shouldn’t increase numbness or tingling.
- Keep an upright posture with shoulder blades up and back to take tension off of the nerve.
Please call the therapy department with any questions.
- Avoid activities that keep your elbow flexed for long periods of time (e.g., talking on the phone, driving, reading)
- Avoid resting your elbow on hard surfaces.
- Try to sleep with your elbow straight to decrease tension on your nerve. Wrap a towel around the elbow and secure the ends to prevent the elbow from tightly bending for a prolonged time.
- Keep an upright posture with shoulder blades up and back to take tension off of the nerve.
Please call the therapy department with any questions.
Mallet Finger Post Immobilization
- Once cleared by the doctor, progress finger range of motion gently
- Monitor for drooping of your fingertip.
- If drooping occurs, decrease the frequency of your exercises and consider wearing your splint intermittently during the day or at night.
Please call the therapy department with any questions.