Exercise for arm?

Does anybody have any suggestions for specific exercises to rehab the affected arm?

5 Comments

Exercises

by ElectricFrank - 2008-12-06 01:12:05

You didn't say how long it has been since the surgery. If you are past the "Don't raise your arm above shoulder level" time then it is really a matter of slowly increasing your range of motion. Don't get aggressive with the movements especially in the directions where you feel some pain or tugging. Just gently challenge those areas and you should find the limitation decreasing.

If any of this causes sharp pain or and sign that the area is becoming inflamed it is time to see the doc or possibly a PT.

If you are still in the time frame where they want you to limit movement just do the same things except avoid the movements that are restricted.

This may seem weird, but it can be helpful early on to just imagine moving the arm around a wide range without actually moving it. My wife used this after surgery for a displaced clavicle. They taped her arm to her body for 3 weeks so she couldn't move it at all. She started walking around the house imaging reaching into overhead cabinets etc. When they removed the tape they showed her exercises to start regaining use of the arm. She immediately stretched her arm over her head and walked over to the docs bookcase and got a book down from the top shelf. Like I say, weird but powerful.

frank

arm rehab--ElectricFrank

by Mrs.H - 2008-12-06 08:12:49

Iam at 5 weeks post-surgery. The Doc. released me for work only saying -no lifting over 20lbs.I am not really lifting arm above shoulder as I am finding it weak. No pain at all, it just seems they shoul have given me some plan of rehab such as stretching or possibly one of those elastic bands used in rehab units .My Doc.'s office is really pretty vague on this subject even when I directly ask.My employer called them to talk to them as well and also got vague answers.So we just came up with our own plan as to what I can do based on the 20lb. weight limit.I want to gently strengthen my arm as my job is very demanding and I am sure I will be totally released from restriction at next visit on Dec. 12th.I will be at 6 weeks then.

arm exercises

by Smart Redd - 2008-12-06 10:12:40

Wait for doctor permission before raising your arm over your heart height! You do NOT want to be back in the hospital for 're-work"! Exercising patience (a tough one for me) is far more important than exercising your arm.

Once you have that doctor permission -- and I'm trusting you not to read further without that permission -- here are some exercises I was given for arm rehab.

** Note: My rehab exercises were given to me because of a reaction to a CHF study gone awry rather than to ICD implant, but I used them after my implant as well.

** Note: Warming the joint up first will make exercises easier to start off. I use a homemade rice bag that I heat in the microwave.

1. Stand with shoulder facing the wall with finger tips just touching. Walk you fingers up and down the wall. Stop if/when it hurts. Gradually*, you should be able to get your fingers higher. (*Gradually means over a few weeks not minutes or hours.) Can also be done facing the wall.

2. Roll a ball (or a shortened swim noodle) up and down the wall much like the prior exercise. I used a soft child's kick ball or small beach ball.

3. Use a rope and stationary pulley (Jerry Seinfeld's dad used this exercise tool attached to Cramer's doorknob and I have two of them from ages ago) with one end of rope in each hand. Sit in a chair without arms and alternate raising good arm/bad arm. Gradually* working the bad arm to raise higher. A jump rope over a sturdy shower or closet rod will work, also. Be sure of the sturdy part! We don't want anything falling on you.

4. Using a "resistance band", tie a knot in one end and toss it over a door. Close the door to secure the knot. Step a bit back from the door and do exercises for arm both bending at elbow and straight arm. The straight armed ones will strengthen your upper shoulder muscles, the bent arm ones, your biceps.

There were other exercises. I will post them as/if I find or remember them. I had no problem with arm movement after my ICD. Once I had permission to remove the shoulder sling, I tied a rope from pant loop to arm that allowed me to move the arm freely, but tightened before the arm got too high. It was a constant reminder not to overdo it, but allowed good movement of the shoulder without endangering the arm should I forget and try to raise itl

Love, Red

More from Electric Frank

by ElectricFrank - 2008-12-06 11:12:36

I was only told to avoid the arm above shoulder level for 3 weeks. Nothing said about weight limits. Interesting the difference in docs.

One easy one to start with is using a canned product as a weight. Start with a small on and work up. Be sure it is something "heart healthy" like veggies. No high fat stuff..bad for your heart (lol).

If your arm doesn't start to regain strength soon it might be a good idea to bring it up with the doctor. The pacer might be pressing on a nerve.

frank

Strengthening exercises

by joy1 - 2008-12-07 01:12:14

hi,
If you google "Frozen shoulder and exercise" you should find explanations and diagrams of various exercises which can help strengthen your shoulder and chest, helping prevent the problem of frozen shoulder. Frozen shoulder is a condition that can easily develop in PM and ICD recipients because we are told not to raise our arms above the shoulder and not to lift weights.

The reason for not lifting weights or raising your arm too high is it can dislodge the leads, so taking care not to do too much is really important the first few months. After that time though, sufficient healing and scar tissue development should have occurred to make using your arm safe though it might become a bit uncomfortable. Some swelling is to be expected but if you are too uncomfortable or feel like something has shifted or changed with your device site make sure to contact your doctor.

One last thing, you didn't say if it was your electrophysiologist who you have been talking to or your general practitioner. Which ever one is not helping you, talk to the other one. Something to remember is that you have to advocate for yourself and it sounds like you are and have the support of your employer too.

Good luck,

joy

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