We started with a new OT (occupational therapist) who specialises in hands only, about a month and a half ago. She is wonderful and has given Colin new exercises, and a new splint to see if we can improve his right hand.
First of all, she measured his range very precisely using a device that showed the angle he could get to, and after one week of exercises there were between 5 and 15 degrees of improvement which meant that the exercises are working.
I tend to get very excited about these types of breakthroughs, and while I know that the most improvement that could have occurred, would have occurred in the timeframe that has elapsed, there is still great room for improvement where Colin has ability. For example, he can gain strength but is unlikely to suddenly find that something new can move where it could not before. I understand this. Still, this is extremely exciting as it could mean that in the long run, Colin will be able to hold a mouse for his PC.
Currently, his hands are sort of locked into a position where his fingers are permanently clawed, and he is unable to bend his fingers at the main knuckles. Our goal is to get them moving again.
Part of the balance of these exercises is knowing which to use and which not. For example, it is possible for Colin to lose the small amount of active grasp he has in his index finger if we over-stretch. It is very complicated, and I don’t really understand it. Suffice it to say – our OT understands, and so far we have had great improvement.
Here is a short video of Colin showing how much increase in the movement he has in his right hand. (His left hand is completely tenodesis as he has no active movement in his fingers.)
Thanks for popping in, and I hope you are all keeping well.
I hope Colin may be able to grab a Christmas cracker at the end of the year. Merry merry times to you all.