Found this lady (Jen) and her videos very interesting and different. I have a very rigid hand myself: She has many videos for children and adults. Click on videos after viewing this one.
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Hi Outlander, Iāve just had a quick look at this and itās very interesting. Iāll have a good look tomorrow when Iām home alone. Thanks very much for sharing, Iām looking forward to watching more.
Regards Sue
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I am just about two years after stroke. Left hospital not walking, largely immobile.
I have made a lot of progress in the last three months.
Having been told that repair in arm and leg starts at shoulder and hip I began to try to address this.
I was trying to get hand working but am now concentrating on shoulder and upper arm movement.
Most of this I have found difficult but over three months there is improvement.
The exercise I am doing is gentle and occasional.
We had a banister rail fitted and just pulling on that once a day has brought along a big improvement.
Also lifting my arm so I have my hand behind my head seems to be waking up stuff, again starting at shoulder, then down arm towards hand.
I am also trying to help my arm reach up my back behind me.
Individually the improvement is slow but together is showing signs of increasing mobility.
I can now get both hands on the table top unaided and can make a good effort at lifting two handed.
My hand seems to be integrating into all this. I am hoping to gain a little more dexterity.
I hope my rather poor description of my āexercise routineā is useful to somebody.
Two years after stroke and definitely seeing some more recovery.
keep on keepinā on
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@Susan_Jane Hope it helps Susan
@Bobbi Yes, the key words there are gentle and occasional. Iāve been pushing and strainingā¦not good.
Amazing how everything in our body is all connected. Keep up the progress and best wishes.
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@Outlander
I agree and think as we are talking nerves rather than skin, bone and muscle, a slightly different approach might be more appropriate.
I have a feeling that improvement will come if you seek it. Equally if you rest content with your state at any one time you will just stay there.
This means plateaus are just as possible as recovery.
I have been inspired on this forum reading of those going out for a stroll, others who have been able to play a musical instrument.
Each of us has experienced limited ability, but I believe it is possible to enjoy some success dealing with things.
Life doesnāt need to be a battle, it will be what we make it.
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@Bobbi my OT Introduced me to a technique called Constraint Induced Movement Therapy. This was to improve limb function and motor dexterity in my affected arm. I was at first somewhat dubious but I stuck at it and the result was a big improvement. Itās basically making you use your affected arm and fingers to do as much as possible including set exercises and not using your good side as you normally would. https://www.physio-pedia.com/Constraint_Induced_Movement_Therapy#share
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@Strings
@SimonInEdinburgh
Getting back to my original post with the video by Jen; She is a student of Anat Baniel and she speaks of sensory movements.
Along with constraint therapy it may be important to do those tasks with complete attention and focusā¦slowly.
Please see my new post on āDiscrepancyā.,
Great to hear you guys are doing well with your endeavors.
Derek
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Bobby, you can also use a tea towel to help pull your hand down into a deeper stretch. Or a belt looped around your wrist if your hand canāt hold on. And as you pull down, push your elbow up more toward the ceiling for a better stretch all under the armpit as well. Great for stretching and unlocking muscles.
You can also use the method for pulling your arms up your back.
Another one which would be good for you to try is holding the tea towel/belt in both hands, arms out straight in front of you and raise them up over your head as far as you can. All the while, keeping your arms as straight as possible and keeping the towel/belt taught.
Keep it up, so pleased for you 
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