How to position your arm after a stroke

Why is it important to care for my arm affected by the stroke?

The brain sends messages to the muscles in your arm when you want to move it. After a stroke, the messages from your brain may be affected and you may find you cannot move your arm easily due to weakness in the muscles.

This weakness can lead to:

• Poor positioning.
  
• Pain.
  
• Altered sensation (feeling).

How can I help myself?

You should try to become more aware of where your arm is by keeping it where you can always see it. Daily massage can help you to become more aware of your arm and its position. Your Therapist, Physiotherapist or Occupational Therapist will advise you.

How should I position my arm when sitting in a chair or wheelchair?

Always be aware of where your arm is

• You should always support your arm on a pillow as shown in the picture.

To do

• Never allow your arm to hang over the side of the chair, as this may cause damage to your shoulder.

Not to do

How should I position my arm when lying in bed?

Laying on you back

Laying on your side

How should I move my arm?

Always be aware of where your arm is

You should:

• Take hold of the underside of the elbow of your affected arm.

• Slide your hand along the arm towards your wrist.

• Support your wrist, move your arm forward and place it on a pillow.

If possible, always move your own arm. If you need someone to help move your arm, you should make sure that they follow the above instructions.

Do not let anyone move your arm any other way.

You must never:

• Pull you arm across your body

• lift your arm by your hand only. Always support it at the wrist

• allow anyone to lift or move your arm from under your affected shoulder.

How can I keep my affected hand clean?

It is very important to:

• Always keep your hand clean and dry. Take special care to dry the palm and in between your fingers to help prevent any sores developing.

• Keep your nails short so they do not dig into your palm. You may need help with this.

• Check your skin for any red, swollen or sore areas. If needed, contact your therapist for advice.

• Try to keep your hand open and your fingers straight.

Contact numbers

If you need further advice, or have any problems, please contact your therapist.

University Hospital of North Tees

Stroke Ward – Ward 41
Telephone: 01642 382741

Community Stroke Teams

North Tees and Hartlepool locality Single Point of Access
University of Hospital of Hartlepool
Monday to Friday 08:30am-05:00pm
Telephone: 01429 522500

Easington locality
Monday to Friday 08:30am-05:00pm
Telephone: 0191 569 2819

If you have any worries or concerns you should contact your GP during normal surgery hours. Outside surgery hours, you should contact your GP’s surgery for the Out of Hours Service number.

Further information available from:

Stroke Information Service

Stroke Association
Supporter Care Team
1 Sterling Business Park
Salthouse Road
Northampton
NN4 7EX

Monday – Friday, 9.00am – 5.00pm
Telephone: 0303 3033 100
Website: https://www.stroke.org.uk/about-us/contact-us

NHS Choices
Calls to this number are free from landlines and mobile phones
When it is less urgent than 999 call 111
Website: www.nhs.uk

Comments, concerns, compliments or complaints

Patient Experience Team (PET)

We are continually trying to improve the services we provide. We want to know what we’re doing well or if there’s anything which we can improve, that’s why the Patient Experience Team (PET) is here to help. Our Patient Experience Team is here to try to resolve your concerns as quickly as possible. The office is based on the ground floor at the University Hospital of North Tees if you wish to discuss concerns in person. If you would like to contact or request a copy of our PET leaflet, please contact:

Telephone: 01642 624719

Freephone: 0800 092 0084

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:00pm

Email: [email protected]

Out of hours

Out of hours if you wish to speak to a senior member of Trust staff, please contact the hospital switchboard who will bleep the appropriate person.

Telephone: 01642 617617

Data protection and use of patient information

The Trust has developed Data Protection policies in accordance with Data Protection Legislation (UK General Data Protection Regulations and Data Protection Act 2018) and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. All of our staff respect these policies and confidentiality is adhered to at all times. If you require further information on how we process your information please see our Privacy Notices.

Telephone: 01642 383551

Email: [email protected]

Leaflet feedback

This leaflet has been produced in partnership with patients and carers. All patient leaflets are regularly reviewed, and any suggestions you have as to how it may be improved are extremely valuable. Please write to the Clinical Governance team, North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, University Hospital of North Tees, TS19 8PE or:

Email: [email protected]

Leaflet Reference: PIL1353
Date for Review: 08/12/2024