Why we recommend these arm exercises 

We recommend you start the exercises as soon as we have fitted your cast.

They will help to reduce stiffness and swelling, and maintain good circulation in your arm while you wear a cast.

You may experience some pain when you start doing these exercises. This is normal.

Exercises

Try to do these exercises 3 to 4 times each day.

Shoulder movement

  • In a standing or sitting position, gently raise or push your arm up above you until your elbow is straight.
  • Lower your arm back down.
  • Repeat this movement 5 to 10 times.

Elbow movement

  • In a sitting position, gently bend your elbow so your hand moves towards your shoulder.
  • Gently straighten the elbow back down.
  • Repeat this movement 5 to 10 times.

Other exercises

Finger and thumb movement
Place your elbow on a flat surface with your fingers pointing upwards.

Repeat this movement 5 to 10 times.

Finger and thumb

Exercise A
In a two part movement, bend the fingers to make a fist.

Exercise A

Exercise B
Keeping your fingers straight, bend all fingers towards the palm of your hand, and straighten back up. You can also spread your fingers apart.

Exercise B

Exercise C
Bend and oppose the thumb.

Exercise C

Exercise D
Start with the OK sign.Touch the tip of your thumb with the tips of the next two fingers.

Exercise D

Assisted exercises
If you find it difficult to complete the exercises above, you can use your other hand to gently bend and straighten your fingers.

Assisted exercises

Contact information

Kingston Hospital Orthopaedics Outpatient Department, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

Telephone:

020 8934 6983