Patient and Family Education

Wrist and Hand Stretches

How can I help my child do the stretches? Use these exercises to help stretch the You play an important role in your child’s therapy. Older children may need wrist and hand. reminders to do their stretches every day. You may need to help position your younger child for the stretches. Or you may need to help stretch your child’s hand or arm. Be sure to pay attention to your child’s alignment and posture to make sure each stretch is performed correctly.

How often should my child do the stretches? These stretches should be done twice a day, or as instructed by your therapist:

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Stretches

 Wrist extension Hold arm out in front Use opposite hand to bend wrist up with fingers straight Option to straighten elbow for increased stretch Hold for 30 seconds or ______Repeat 2 times or ______VHI

 Wrist extension Sit with elbows on table Place palms together Slowly lower wrists to table Hold for 30 seconds or ______

Repeat 2 times or ______VHI

 Wrist flexion Hold arm out in front Use opposite hand to bend wrist down Option to straighten elbow for increased stretch Option to curl fingers for increased stretch Hold for 30 seconds or ______VHI Repeat 2 times or ______

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Wrist and Hand Stretches

 Wrist radial/ulnar deviation To Learn More Hold arm at side of body with palm • Occupational/Physical facing forward Therapy 206-987-2113 Use opposite hand to straighten wrist toward the thumb side Do not allow the wrist to flex forward to extend backward Free Interpreter Hold for 30 seconds or ______Services Repeat 2 times or ______• In the hospital, ask BioEx Systems Inc.* your child’s nurse.  Finger stretches • From outside the Place hand on desk or table with palm hospital, call the facing upward toll-free Family Use opposite hand to straighten fingers Interpreting Line 1-866-583-1527. Tell Hold for 30 seconds or ______the interpreter the name or extension Use opposite hand to bend fingers you need. Hold for 30 seconds or ______

Repeat stretches 2 times or ______

Special Instructions:

*Images used with permission by BioEx Systems Inc, (www.BioExSystems.com) and not for reproduction. BioEx Systems is not responsible for any harm or injury sustained while performing any of these exercises.

Seattle Children’s offers interpreter services for Deaf, hard of hearing or non-English speaking patients, family members and legal representatives free of charge. Seattle Children’s will make this information available in alternate formats upon request. Call the Family Resource Center at 206-987-2201. 8/18 This handout has been reviewed by clinical staff at Seattle Children’s. However, your child’s needs are unique. Before you act PE1897 or rely upon this information, please talk with your child’s healthcare provider. © 2014 - 2018 Seattle Children’s, Seattle, Washington. All rights reserved. Occupational/Physical Therapy 2 of 2