Learn about effective hand and face care techniques for individuals with scleroderma in this 56-minute conference talk from the 2024 National Scleroderma Conference. Explore various modalities and exercises designed to enhance movement and functionality in the hands, face, and mouth. Discover practical suggestions for using assistive devices and alternative techniques to accomplish daily tasks, increase independence, protect hands, and adapt to limited finger movement. Gain valuable insights into stretching exercises, pain management strategies, range of motion exercises, and specific techniques for addressing finger contractures, thumb mobility, and wrist flexibility. Delve into face and temporomandibular joint exercises, mouth stretching techniques, and the importance of oral hygiene. Explore dexterity exercises, management of Raynaud's phenomenon, and methods for protecting ulcers during activities of daily living. Acquire knowledge on adapting to challenges related to dressing, opening jars, and using keyboards while maintaining hand health and functionality.
Taking Care of Your Hands and Face: Stretches and Assistive Devices for Scleroderma - Dr. Janet Poole
National Scleroderma Foundation via YouTube
Overview
Syllabus
Intro
Objectives
General Guidelines for Stretching Exercises (range of motion) •Heat and massage can be done before exercises to warm up tissues
Modalities to Help Manage Pain and Increase Joint Motion
Heat/Hot Packs
Paraffin Wax
Range of Motion Exercises for Flexion
Range of Motion Exercises for PIP Joints
Ideas for More Severe Finger Contractures
Exercises to help spread fingers (stretch web spaces between fingers)
Exercises for the Thumb
Exercises for the Wrists
Thumb abduction
Exercises for other upper extremity joints
Face and Temporomandibular Joint Exercises
Massage or Heat
Mouth and Face Exercises
Mouth Stretching Exercises (Naylor et al., 1984)
Mouth Opening Exercisers and Splints
How to monitor mouth opening (why is this important?)
Assistive/Adapted Devices
Dressing devices
Key holders
Jar and Can Openers
ORAL HYGIENE
Dexterity Exercises
PROTECTION: Management of Raynaud's Phenomenon
More Ideas for Raynaud's
Possible "Warm" Car Solutions
Protection of Ulcers During ADLs
Other Ideas to Protect Finger Ulcers
Protection of the Hand/Ulcers during keyboarding
Avoid Static Positioning Causing Potential Compression
Conclusions
Taught by
National Scleroderma Foundation
