Wrist Stretcher

---- CUSTOMIZED ADAPTATION --------- PURPOSE: To create a customized adapted wrist stretcher for an individual with multiple sclerosis. The individual’s multiple sclerosis has progressed to a point where she cannot use her right arm and has limited dexterity in her left. It is important that she retain as much flexibility as possible so she can pick up objects and operate her electric wheelchair. To help the individual maintain her flexibility her physiotherapist has recommended that she stretch her arm and fingers each day. The adaptation was based on a previous wrist stretcher design in which the wrist stretcher has a base and a hinged section used for the stretching, which can be set at various angles depending on the degree of stretch that is required. In this case, the dimensions included the need for the hinged section to be adjustable from zero to almost 90 degrees. The wrist stretcher baseboard and hinged section was made from plywood, and attached together. Eight stop wedges were added on the opposite end of the baseboard from where the individual sit, with a 40 millimeter leading edge separations. A propping tongue was then added to the back of the hinged section, holding the stretch board in any one of the seven available positions, which are numbered. The areas where the individual’s arm and fingers rest were padded for comfort. The individual uses the board up to an hour a day to exercise her fingers and arm. Her husband sets it up on a table next to her wheelchair with a weight on her forearm and a tie to hold her wrist in place. The angle of the stretch will vary according to how flexible her fingers are that day. TITLE: Wrist stretching. JOURNAL: TAD Journal. REF: Volume 30, Number 2, April 2010: p. 13. PAGES: 2 with cover.