Flail arms

[SueM]

Hi everyone, I’m really struggling with my arms, in particular what to do with them when out walking. My right arm hangs and is now causing pain in the top of my back. I asked the Physio at my last clinic appointment but he wasn’t very helpful, has anyone one got any ideas?

[Johnny5]

Have you tried a sling yet?

[Shaun]

Hi,
when mine plays up I wear a jacket and keep my hand in the pocket, I have also found that if I’m holding something, such as a bag, or the dog lead,(dog is attached i hasten to add) other muscles take over and stop it waving around.
as for exercise I use a resistance band and pull upwards to try a strengthen the shoulder, my physio suggestion.
another suggestion which you can do anywhere, try simply moving your shoulder blades together, using muscles below your shoulder blades, it’s a gentle movement but it helps strengthen other muscles, you will feel it tighten your front, it has reduced my shoulder drop,
Has your physio given you any exercises?

[Ellie]

... if I’m holding something, such as a bag, or the dog lead,(dog is attached i hasten to add)

😂😂😂😂 Thanks for that laugh Shaun!

I do that shoulder blade exercise everyday too (in bed) I can't move them much nowadays but, hey ho, every little helps. I also do shoulder rolls and shrugs. My arms themselves are paralysed but I can move my shoulders. (I'm not Flail Arm though) 😘

[matthew55]

Or simply ignore them, that works for me. 🤗😄😘😄xx

[SueM]

Have you tried a sling yet?

I’ve used scarfs as such but the Physio doesn’t like this approach as apparently it changes your centre of gravity

[SueM]

Hi,
when mine plays up I wear a jacket and keep my hand in the pocket, I have also found that if I’m holding something, such as a bag, or the dog lead,(dog is attached i hasten to add) other muscles take over and stop it waving around.
as for exercise I use a resistance band and pull upwards to try a strengthen the shoulder, my physio suggestion.
another suggestion which you can do anywhere, try simply moving your shoulder blades together, using muscles below your shoulder blades, it’s a gentle movement but it helps strengthen other muscles, you will feel it tighten your front, it has reduced my shoulder drop,
Has your physio given you any exercises?

Thank you Shaun, in the winter I did use my pockets, but unfortunately I can’t hold anything. The resistance band idea made me smile as I can’t even ping an elastic band.
Nothing from the physio but will try the exercises you have suggested

[SueM]

😂😂😂😂 Thanks for that laugh Shaun!

I do that shoulder blade exercise everyday too (in bed) I can't move them much nowadays but, hey ho, every little helps. I also do shoulder rolls and shrugs. My arms themselves are paralysed but I can move my shoulders. (I'm not Flail Arm though) 😘

Thank you Ellie, will give the shoulder rolls and shrugs a go

[SueM]

Or simply ignore them, that works for me. 🤗😄😘😄xx

Thank you Matthew, it would be good if I could ignore everything MND related, but difficult though

[matthew55]

Having a mood drug certainly helps with ignoring it.👍🤗😘😍xx