Introduction to My New Releas Splint

After my broken arm healed my OT let me try a dynamic splint called the Releas.  It uses a short piece of fishing rod to assist with hand opening.  Pre-requisite skills for using the Releas splint are a small amount of shoulder and elbow movement and the ability to squeeze the examiner's hand and then stop squeezing.  The splint helps you open your hand to grasp and release thin (e.g. envelope) and small objects (e.g. deodorant bottle).  You can watch videos of a stroke survivor using the Releas splint. 

My OT began my Releas program at an intermediate level by having me drop objects in a crate.  Then she had me place objects on a table which requires more precise release.  I also open my hand after I hold pill and deodorant bottles resting on my thigh as the other hand removes the cap.  Releasing my grip from objects that sit vertically doesn't allow gravity to help me.  A blue clip board on my lap helps you see the black splint resting on my black pants. 

The Release leaves the fingertips free to grasp objects so I can wear it during functional tasks. However, many functional tasks that provide repetition like folding laundry don't occur every day.  We need repetition to create what psychologists call flow.  Flow happens when movement feels effortless.
On the left is the set-up for filling my pill box each week.  On the right is a simulated version I do every day.  Two sets of ten work out the stiffness. Two more sets and my hand opens smoothly instead of jerking open in small increments.  The Releas splint creates flow  -- an addiction that keeps me motivated.  

My early progress includes regaining grip strength when I am not wearing the splint.  I no longer drop my cane after I put it in my hemiplegic hand so my sound hand can open a door. This is particularly helpful at a store when I have to quickly catch a closing door when the person in front of me doesn't hold it open.  I no longer rest a travel-size shampoo bottle on my knee and push out shampoo by leaning on the bottle with my elbow.  Now my hemiplegic hand squeezes shampoo out so my sound hand can catch it.