ModuleDraft

OT for arm/hand recovery — strengthening, electrical stimulation, splints (what to ask)

Survivor/caregiver module covering common OT/PT adjuncts for upper limb: strengthening concepts, NMES/FES concepts, splinting purpose, and how to discuss risks/benefits with therapists.

Recovery & RehabCaregiver, SurvivorIntermediate18 minStandard (9–12)

Educational only

Educational only — devices and dosing must be prescribed and monitored by clinicians/therapists.

Get help now

Stop use and seek medical help if you have chest pain, trouble breathing, fainting, or new stroke-like symptoms. For skin burns or severe pain from a device: stop immediately and contact your clinician/therapist.

Key takeaways

  • Understand common devices/adjuncts for arm recovery
  • Ask good questions about risks/benefits and dosing
  • Recognize when something feels unsafe

Strengthening basics

  • Why it helps
  • Avoid compensations
  • Start small

NMES/FES (electrical stimulation)

  • What it is
  • Who it may fit
  • Skin safety

Splints/orthoses

  • Purpose
  • Comfort + skin checks
  • Wear schedule

What to ask your therapist

  • Goals
  • Dose
  • How we’ll measure
  • Side effects

Stop rules

  • Sharp pain
  • Numbness
  • Skin burns/irritation

Practice check

What you’ll practice

These questions are untimed. After you answer all of them, you’ll see your score and a clear next lesson or reference step.

0 of 4 answered

Question 1

1. When using a splint, you should:

Question 2

2. A good question for a therapist about NMES/FES is:

Question 3

3. A stop rule includes:

Question 4

4. The goal of adjuncts is to:

References

  1. AHA/ASA2017
    Poststroke Depression: A Scientific Statement for Healthcare Professionals
  2. AHA Stroke
    Functional electrical stimulation for upper limb after stroke (review)