Preparation Exercises

The following exercises are referred to in several of the activities to prepare your body for movement. There are three different sets of exercises, one for the hand, one for the whole arm, and another concentrating on the shoulder. The preparation section will state which set of exercises to do to prepare for that specific activity.

The exercises are very general and are appropriate for most people, but not all people. Consult your occupational therapist for suggestions and precautions specific to your exercise program.

Hand Exercises 1.Open and close your hands slowly 10 times, going from a tight

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Arm Exercises (It is not necessary to use a weight.)

1.Stretch your shoulders by lifting your arms over your head until you feel a stretch in your shoulders. Hold this position for 10 seconds then slowly lower your arms to your sides.

2.Place your palms together in a praying position in front of your chest. Press your palms against one another as hard as you can and hold this position for 10 seconds.

3.Open and close your hands slowly 10 times, going from a tight fist to an open hand with fingers spread apart.

Shoulder Exercises (It is not necessary to use a weight.)

1.Stretch your shoulders by clasping both hands together and lifting your arms over your head until you feel a stretch in your shoulders. 2.Hold this position for 10 seconds. 3.Slowly lower your arms to your sides.

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