June 12, 2023

Shoulder Subluxation, what is it, and how do I fix it?

SHOULDER SUBLUXATION POST STROKE:

Shoulder subluxation is a common post-stroke complication affecting up to 80 - 85% of stroke patients. It occurs when the arm becomes partially dislocated from the shoulder socket, due to muscle weakness, or paralysis, caused by the stroke. This usually occurs within the first 2 weeks of suffering a stroke, and can be further aggravated, if the patient is moved incorrectly, by pulling on or being lifted by the stroke affected arm or hand. The severity of the separation is normally measured by finger width, as in 1, 2 or even 3 finger width degree of Subluxation. Shoulder braces are used to stop the arm from hanging, thus pulling the Shoulder Subluxation further apart. Also, hospitals will attempt to support the arm, immediately following the stroke, thus trying to minimize the separation.

Pin on Study The correct and incorrect methods for each step in the patient transfer ...

It is extremely important that if your family member suffers a stroke, leave the moving, shifting and/or lifting to the hospital staff, or medical professionals. Asking for help, instead of trying to do it yourself, could mean the difference of weeks of shoulder rehab to correct, to months, or even years. Without shoulder movement, hand function or recovery will be difficult, if not impossible.

Shoulder Exercises Post Stroke:

It is important to do your exercises in front of a full length mirror if possible. You need to see what you are doing. Use this old analogy.

1. I hear, I forget.

2. I see, I remember.

3. I do, I understand.

So, if you are doing the exercises, tell yourself what you are trying to do, out loud, and watch your results in the mirror, so that you understand the process, and monitor your progress. Neuroplasticity is increased by Sound and Sight, plus seeing your progress will help to encourage or motivate you to do more.

These Shoulder Exercises are compliments of Saebo, and can be found at Saebo | Stroke Rehabilitation Therapy & Products for Home, Clinic They are categorized into Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced. It is always a great idea to start at the Basic level, and work your way up to the Advanced level.

TowelSlide-basic

1. Towel Slide (Basic)

Get a towel and sit down at a table, desk, or other flat surface. Fold or spread the towel, and make sure it’s on the table immediately in front of you. Now, place your affected hand on the towel and put your unaffected hand directly on top of it. Apply enough pressure to keep your hands together, then use your hand to slide the towel away from you, toward the middle of the table.

As your hands move forward, your shoulders will also stretch forward, with the towel reducing friction and allowing your shoulder muscles to stretch and strengthen. If you feel comfortable leaning forward with your upper body, do so in order to slide the towel even farther forward. If you can do this until your arms are almost parallel with your body, the extra movement will allow you to stretch your shoulders at shoulder level, paving the way for a greater range of motion.

shouldershrug

2. Shoulder Shrug (Basic)

Sit or stand in front of a mirror so that you can clearly see your entire upper body. Now, lift your unaffected shoulder up in a shrugging motion, just as you would if you didn’t know the answer to a question. Instead of simply letting it drop again, roll your shoulder back. As you do so, your shoulder blades should get closer together. Repeat this exercise several times each day.

TowelSlide-rotation

1. Towel Slides (Intermediate)

This exercise is very similar to the basic-level towel slide, but it incorporates a bigger range of motion by challenging you to stretch your shoulder muscles in more than one direction. Start by sitting at a table with a towel and placing your affected hand on it, as before. Now use your other hand to slide your hand forward, but don’t simply slide it back toward you. Instead, follow this movement by sliding it from side to side. Now slide it back toward you and continue sliding the towel from side to side. Finally, incorporate all of these movements into a series of circular motions, alternating between clockwise and counterclockwise.

canerotation

2. External Rotation with Cane

You’ll need a cane or lightweight umbrella for this exercise. Hold the cane with both hands in front of your body with your arms bent at a 90-degree angle at your sides. Next, push the cane outward to your left and right without dropping your arms, so that the 90-degree angle remains consistent. This exercise will improve your ability to perform external rotations with your shoulders, which are required for a significant number of everyday tasks.

cuppass-neck

1. Behind-the-Neck Cup Pass (Advanced)

Sit at a table and stack the cups right in front of you. Before you begin, remind yourself to keep looking forward throughout the exercise. It may help to train your sights on one specific point ahead of you, such as a painting on the wall or your own reflection in the mirror. Now, grab the first cup from the stack. While continuing to look forward, pass the cup behind your neck and use your other hand to retrieve it and set it back down on the table. Continue doing this until you’ve passed the entire stack of cups from one hand to the next.

cuppass-waist

2. Behind-the-Waist Cup Pass (Advanced)

Stand in front of the table, or sit on a stool or backless chair. Re-stack the cups on the table, and bring the first one behind your waist, passing it along the top of your pants line. Retrieve and replace it with the other hand, and repeat.

Training on using estim for upper limb recovery post stroke | Stroke ...

Sometimes these exercises are difficult to accomplish, due to the paralysis caused by the Stroke. That is where Electrical Muscle Stimulation comes into play. To accomplish this you need an EMS device, not a TENS device. However most units now are a TENS / EMS Combo, just make sure you are using the EMS mode. Pad placement can be a little tricky, especially if you suffered a Stroke, so have someone else place the Electrodes in the correct position for you, and it is always recommended to do this in a sitting position. Electrical Muscle Stimulation, especially following a Stroke, can be exhausting, so start slow. You will build up a tolerance over time, which will enable you to increase your sessions.

If you live in the USA or UK, the best device for this, is hands down the SaeboStim Pro, using Program #5.

SaeboStim Pro I Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation. USA

SaeboStim Pro | Saebo UK

If you live in Canada, the Phase 5 TENS / EMS Combo is a great option. We will Program #17 to offer you the same Electrical Muscle Stimulation, as the SaeboStim Pro, on Program #5.

Phase-5 TENS + EMS Combo – JGH Rehab

SaeboStim Go

SaeboStim One:

Now, look and see this little gem!! This is the greatest Shoulder Subluxation Recovery Device on the market today, in my opinion of course. Wireless, compact, and pretty much fool proof. Wear it discreetly all day, and engage it with the simple push of a button, then increase or decrease the intensity with a simple up or down button.

If you are a little nervous or unsure about getting the Electrodes in the correct position, you can always get the SaeboStim One. The SaeboStim One, is:

Designed to optimize your recovery journey, this innovative device combines convenience, effectiveness, and cutting-edge technology.
Harnessing the power of wireless technology, Saebostim One eliminates the need for cumbersome wires, providing freedom and flexibility during therapy sessions.
Saebostim One utilizes electric muscle stimulation to activate specific muscles and nerves, aiding in muscle re-education, strength-building, and enhanced motor control.
By delivering precise and adjustable stimulation, this device targets your affected areas, promoting optimal recovery and functional improvement.

Its compact and portable design allows you to take your rehabilitation wherever you go, whether you’re at home or on the move.
The wireless electric muscle stimulator is equipped with a user-friendly interface that allows you to customize stimulation parameters according to your unique needs.
With adjustable intensity levels, pulse widths, and frequency settings, you have complete control over your therapy sessions, ensuring a personalized and tailored experience.

Saebostim One is suitable for a wide range of conditions, including stroke recovery, neurological disorders, and muscle reactivation. Whether you’re regaining strength after an injury or seeking to improve muscle coordination, this device provides the necessary support to accelerate your rehabilitation!

SaeboStim One Wireless Electric Muscle Stimulator U.S.A.

SaeboStim One | Saebo UK

Watch this video showing one client's success using the SaeboStim One

(10) Another Stim One success story!⚡ - YouTube.

Unfortunately, the SaeboStim One, or the SaeboStim Pro, are not available in Canada, so please reach out to us for the best alternative we could find.

Phase-5 TENS + EMS Combo – JGH Rehab

We hope that if you suffered a Shoulder Subluxation, as a result of a Neurological Injury, such as a Stroke, that this information will help you on your Recovery Journey.

All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Many opinions and viewpoints are based on my own Personal Stroke Recovery journey. As every Stroke is different, so is every Stroke Recovery. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. Reliance on any information provided by the JGH Rehab website is solely at your own risk.

Also, never use Electrical Muscle Stimulation if you have a PACEMAKER!!