Guest guest Posted January 16, 2003 Report Share Posted January 16, 2003 Thanks!! I have one of the pillows you described. It's called a body pillow and I use it on occasion. I'm a really picky sleeper...it takes alot for me to able to sleep so I don't know if could sleep with the body pillow or not. Thanks for your response and ideas! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 16, 2003 Report Share Posted January 16, 2003 - I don't curl up totally, but my right arm, which has been the most affected from the beginning, does want to curl up into what I call a stroke-like position. My hand bends toward the little finger side with my wrist bent and my elbow bent. I find myself in that position all of the time, especially when sleeping. I have made myself a splint for when it hurts because of being in this position (it hurts off and on). You might want to try to " splint yourself " by hugging pillows so you can't curl completely up when you sleep. There is also this huge pillow (about 5-6 feet long if I recall) that you can hug which would keep you alot straighter. I've heard people talk about those pillows on this site - but don't remember who. The position you describe is dangerous IF you don't stretch away from it to maintain your range of motion. You might want to consult with a Physical Therapist to show you exercises to do to combat the tendency. The reason this happens is because if there is weakness, the stronger muscles tend to " take over " . Muscles that " flex " or bend as opposed to those that " extend " or straighten always tend to be stronger - that is why you will always tend toward curling up rather than straightening. (With certain brain problems though, people will tend to extend, so that's not always the case). Long answer - hope it's helpful. _________________________________________________________________ MSN 8 with e-mail virus protection service: 2 months FREE* http://join.msn.com/?page=features/virus Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 16, 2003 Report Share Posted January 16, 2003 Anne and They are called " body pillows " in this area. I have one and love it. I don't know how I would have slept without it to support my arm this past months. I also use mine between my legs when on my side. I still bend at the knees, but it helps with alignment. laurie Reply-To: Date: Thu, 16 Jan 2003 08:42:19 -0600 To: Subject: curling up in a ball - I don't curl up totally, but my right arm, which has been the most affected from the beginning, does want to curl up into what I call a stroke-like position. My hand bends toward the little finger side with my wrist bent and my elbow bent. I find myself in that position all of the time, especially when sleeping. I have made myself a splint for when it hurts because of being in this position (it hurts off and on). You might want to try to " splint yourself " by hugging pillows so you can't curl completely up when you sleep. There is also this huge pillow (about 5-6 feet long if I recall) that you can hug which would keep you alot straighter. I've heard people talk about those pillows on this site - but don't remember who. The position you describe is dangerous IF you don't stretch away from it to maintain your range of motion. You might want to consult with a Physical Therapist to show you exercises to do to combat the tendency. The reason this happens is because if there is weakness, the stronger muscles tend to " take over " . Muscles that " flex " or bend as opposed to those that " extend " or straighten always tend to be stronger - that is why you will always tend toward curling up rather than straightening. (With certain brain problems though, people will tend to extend, so that's not always the case). Long answer - hope it's helpful. _________________________________________________________________ MSN 8 with e-mail virus protection service: 2 months FREE* http://join.msn.com/?page=features/virus Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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