New Technology Makes Performing Everyday Tasks Possible Again

Take a moment to review all that you did this morning to get to this particular moment in time. Making the bed, wringing out a washcloth, putting toothpaste on a toothbrush, holding a hair dryer while brushing your hair, fastening clothing, buttering a piece of toast and driving a car probably seem like everyday occurrences to you – hardly worth a second thought.

To many people who have experienced a stroke or a brain injury, however, these tasks become difficult at best and at times impossible. They are faced with weeks or months of therapy during which they try to regain control of their weakened body.

Occupational therapists at Martin Memorial have been trained in a new program that is available to help people with limited arm function following a stroke or brain injury. It is called the Saebo Splint Arm Retraining Program. The Saebo Flex splint has the advantage of providing positioning on the dorsum or back of the hand which leaves the palm open allowing the person to grasp objects. The specialized spring mechanism aids the person then to release the object. The person is trained to work through their tone and increased hand activity leads to increased shoulder and elbow positioning, thereby gaining a functional arm.

Traditional therapy has the person work through a series of patterned movements following theoretic approaches, usually trying to gain control from the shoulder down to the hand. Little is done with the hand until the person learns to position the shoulder and elbow first.

The Saebo Splint Arm Retraining Program has the person work through a series of exercises but it starts with positioning the hand, allowing it to open to release objects first. Utilizing special equipment, the person learns to reach forward, out to the side and eventually up over head.

Often people will experience increased use of the arm within the first training session. Even people experiencing hemiparesis several years previously can benefit from this retraining program. To be approved for the program, you must meet minimum criteria, including the ability to partially move the shoulder and elbow, and be able to flex the fingers slightly. It is an intense exercise program so the person must be motivated to perform exercises in the clinic and especially at home for better follow through.

We currently have two locations for this specialized training – at Raub Rehabilitation Center in Stuart and Tiffany Rehabilitation Center in Port St. Lucie. Medicare and many major insurances do help with the cost of the splint and the rehabilitation program.

If you are interested in learning more about the Saebo Splint Arm Retraining Program, please contact either the Tiffany location at (772) 398-1885 or Raub location at (772) 223-4936 to set up a screening with an occupational or physical therapist at Martin Memorial. If you meet the minimum criteria for the program, and after obtaining a referral from your physician, you will be measured and fit with the Saebo Flex splint and your training sessions will begin.

--Kathryn Turgeon
Occupational Therapist