How to do it
You need: A table, A few light everyday objects such as a cup or a sponge.
Sit at a table in a supportive chair, with your affected arm resting on the table top and a few light objects placed within easy reach.
- Slide your affected hand forwards along the table towards an object.
- Reach out and rest your hand on or around the object.
- Bring your hand back towards you along the table.
- Repeat, placing objects a little further away or out to the side as it gets easier.
Form cues
- The movement comes from your shoulder and elbow while your trunk stays still.
- Your shoulder stays down and relaxed, not hitched up towards your ear.
- You use the affected arm as much as you can, helping with the other hand only when needed.
Common mistakes
- Leaning your whole body forwards instead of reaching with the arm.
- Letting the affected shoulder shrug up or the wrist flop down.
- Working so long that the arm aches or tires sharply - stop and rest.
Safety: Stop and message your physio if you have a fall, sudden new weakness, numbness, difficulty speaking, or a severe headache.