Guest guest Posted August 31, 2004 Report Share Posted August 31, 2004 Hi Laurie, Sorry to hear that with the constant use of the joystick that your arm is causing you some cramping and spasms. I don't use this type of chair yet, but I do have an idea that might help. Have you tried or thought about using a FiberFlix Elastic Bandage? I get horrible cramps and pain in my wrist at times and when that happens I use this. The brand I use is called Spenco, but i am sure there are other brands out there. What i like about this brand is that it has a *Starter Loop* which allows for easier positioning. It is washable, and heavy duty for joints. And it uses velcro as a fastener instead of those clips or pins. I have had mine for over 2 yrs. now and it looks just like the day I bought it. They are also available for wrists, ankles, knees, and elbows. For more information : www.spenco.com or call 1- Hope this helps. And I hope your arm starts feeling better soon. Hugs, Ann-Marie power wheelchairs Hi For those of you who use power wheelchairs with a joystick, I need help. My right arm (joystick arm) is cramping and having spasms from using the joystick. Does anyone else have this problem and/or a way to solve it. It hurts all the time and I could use some way to lessen the pain. The chair seems to fit okay and was checked by the wheelchair seating clinic. laurie Medical advice, information, opinions, data and statements contained herein are not necessarily those of the list moderators. The author of this e mail is entirely responsible for its content. List members are reminded of their responsibility to evaluate the content of the postings and consult with their physicians regarding changes in their own treatment. Personal attacks are not permitted on the list and anyone who sends one is automatically moderated or removed depending on the severity of the attack. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 31, 2004 Report Share Posted August 31, 2004 Laurie, Do you think that you would be better suited to have the joystick on the left? You can also get push button controls. The joy-stick is functionally replaced by 4 push-buttons. A therapist has to assess the user to determine where the push-buttons should be located. Hope this is helpful and you can solve the problem. Sorry you are dealing with this now. Alice Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 31, 2004 Report Share Posted August 31, 2004 Alice I think I would have the same problem on the left. Too bad I can't switch sides - when one hurts, then switch. I think the buttons would present the same problem as it seems to be holding my arm in the same position and making the small muscle corrections. I think I will make an appointment to have the wheelchair folks see if they can come up with something, unless someone here has an idea that will help. Once I start on the Creatine maybe I will see a difference. Thanks for the ideas. laurie > > Reply-To: > Date: Tue, 31 Aug 2004 17:43:23 -0600 > To: > > Subject: Re: power wheelchairs > > Laurie, > > Do you think that you would be better suited to have the joystick on the left? > You can also get push button controls. The joy-stick is functionally replaced > by 4 push-buttons. A therapist has to assess the user to determine where the > push-buttons should be located. > > Hope this is helpful and you can solve the problem. Sorry you are dealing > with this now. > > Alice > > right arm (joystick arm) is cramping and having spasms from using the > joystick. Does anyone else have this problem and/or a way to solve it. It > hurts all the time and I could use some way to lessen the pain. The chair > seems to fit okay and was checked by the wheelchair seating clinic. laurie> > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 31, 2004 Report Share Posted August 31, 2004 Ann-Marie Thanks for the idea. I will check it out. laurie > > Reply-To: > Date: Tue, 31 Aug 2004 19:43:05 -0400 > To: > > Subject: Re: power wheelchairs > > Hi Laurie, > > Sorry to hear that with the constant use of the joystick that your arm is > causing you some cramping and spasms. I don't use this type of chair yet, but > I do have an idea that might help. > > Have you tried or thought about using a FiberFlix Elastic Bandage? I get > horrible cramps and pain in my wrist at times and when that happens I use > this. > > The brand I use is called Spenco, but i am sure there are other brands out > there. What i like about this brand is that it has a *Starter Loop* which > allows for easier positioning. It is washable, and heavy duty for joints. And > it uses velcro as a fastener instead of those clips or pins. I have had mine > for over 2 yrs. now and it looks just like the day I bought it. They are also > available for wrists, ankles, knees, and elbows. > > For more information : > > www.spenco.com > > or call 1- > > Hope this helps. And I hope your arm starts feeling better soon. > > Hugs, > Ann-Marie > power wheelchairs > > > Hi > > For those of you who use power wheelchairs with a joystick, I need help. My > right arm (joystick arm) is cramping and having spasms from using the > joystick. Does anyone else have this problem and/or a way to solve it. It > hurts all the time and I could use some way to lessen the pain. The chair > seems to fit okay and was checked by the wheelchair seating clinic. > > laurie > > > > Medical advice, information, opinions, data and statements contained herein > are not necessarily those of the list moderators. The author of this e mail is > entirely responsible for its content. List members are reminded of their > responsibility to evaluate the content of the postings and consult with their > physicians regarding changes in their own treatment. > > Personal attacks are not permitted on the list and anyone who sends one is > automatically moderated or removed depending on the severity of the attack. > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 2, 2004 Report Share Posted September 2, 2004 Dear Laurie, it does sound a good idea to have the OT who assessed you for your power chair to have a look at the problem. My joy stick is right under my right arm and very confortable, and the " know " I actually use is a big one, like a door know, which I chose over the narrower one. I laso use an elastic type bandage on my right arm most of the time and it really helps (just below the elbow), Celia > Alice > > I think I would have the same problem on the left. Too bad I can't switch > sides - when one hurts, then switch. I think the buttons would present the > same problem as it seems to be holding my arm in the same position and > making the small muscle corrections. I think I will make an appointment to > have the wheelchair folks see if they can come up with something, unless > someone here has an idea that will help. Once I start on the Creatine maybe > I will see a difference. > > Thanks for the ideas. > > laurie > > > From: " A ADAMS " > > Reply-To: > > Date: Tue, 31 Aug 2004 17:43:23 -0600 > > To: > > > Subject: Re: power wheelchairs > > > > Laurie, > > > > Do you think that you would be better suited to have the joystick on the left? > > You can also get push button controls. The joy-stick is functionally replaced > > by 4 push-buttons. A therapist has to assess the user to determine where the > > push-buttons should be located. > > > > Hope this is helpful and you can solve the problem. Sorry you are dealing > > with this now. > > > > Alice > > > > > right arm (joystick arm) is cramping and having spasms from using the > > joystick. Does anyone else have this problem and/or a way to solve it. It > > hurts all the time and I could use some way to lessen the pain. The chair > > seems to fit okay and was checked by the wheelchair seating clinic. laurie> > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 2, 2004 Report Share Posted September 2, 2004 Celia Thanks for the idea. I think I may try a tennis ball over my control and see if it helps. If it does, then I will see about getting a larger one. I'll also try the elastic bandage as you do. laurie > > Reply-To: > Date: Thu, 02 Sep 2004 17:47:09 -0000 > To: > Subject: Re: power wheelchairs > > Dear Laurie, it does sound a good idea to have the OT who assessed you > for your power chair to have a look at the problem. My joy stick is > right under my right arm and very confortable, and the " know " I > actually use is a big one, like a door know, which I chose over the > narrower one. I laso use an elastic type bandage on my right arm most > of the time and it really helps (just below the elbow), Celia > > >> Alice >> >> I think I would have the same problem on the left. Too bad I can't > switch >> sides - when one hurts, then switch. I think the buttons would > present the >> same problem as it seems to be holding my arm in the same position and >> making the small muscle corrections. I think I will make an > appointment to >> have the wheelchair folks see if they can come up with something, unless >> someone here has an idea that will help. Once I start on the > Creatine maybe >> I will see a difference. >> >> Thanks for the ideas. >> >> laurie >> >>> From: " A ADAMS " >>> Reply-To: >>> Date: Tue, 31 Aug 2004 17:43:23 -0600 >>> To: > >>> Subject: Re: power wheelchairs >>> >>> Laurie, >>> >>> Do you think that you would be better suited to have the joystick > on the left? >>> You can also get push button controls. The joy-stick is > functionally replaced >>> by 4 push-buttons. A therapist has to assess the user to > determine where the >>> push-buttons should be located. >>> >>> Hope this is helpful and you can solve the problem. Sorry you are > dealing >>> with this now. >>> >>> Alice >>> >>> need help. My >>> right arm (joystick arm) is cramping and having spasms from using the >>> joystick. Does anyone else have this problem and/or a way to solve > it. It >>> hurts all the time and I could use some way to lessen the pain. > The chair >>> seems to fit okay and was checked by the wheelchair seating > clinic. laurie> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 7, 2004 Report Share Posted September 7, 2004 Hi Laurie - how are you activating the joystick? I do mine by pushing against the joystick lightly on the side of my thumb and side of my first finger by the knuckle to turn and in the crease between thumb and finger to go forward I am not grabbing/ holding the joystick with fingers or hand, as that causes severe cramping for me too. I hardly use any arm motion or pressure in the process. My arm is resting on the chair arm. Is this what you are doing already, or a possible option? Cheers, Ruth _____ From: Laureta Fitzgerald Sent: Tuesday, August 31, 2004 7:28 PM To: Subject: power wheelchairs Hi For those of you who use power wheelchairs with a joystick, I need help. My right arm (joystick arm) is cramping and having spasms from using the joystick. Does anyone else have this problem and/or a way to solve it. It hurts all the time and I could use some way to lessen the pain. The chair seems to fit okay and was checked by the wheelchair seating clinic. laurie Medical advice, information, opinions, data and statements contained herein are not necessarily those of the list moderators. The author of this e mail is entirely responsible for its content. List members are reminded of their responsibility to evaluate the content of the postings and consult with their physicians regarding changes in their own treatment. Personal attacks are not permitted on the list and anyone who sends one is automatically moderated or removed depending on the severity of the attack. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 7, 2004 Report Share Posted September 7, 2004 Ruth I put the joystick between my first and second finger. It is keeping my arm in one spot that makes it cramp. I am getting so I stop and dangle my arm for a few minutes when shopping or going from one building to another. This seems to be helping. I've also had to crochet just a few stitches and then stretch the arm out for several minutes. I know that with children with spastic muscles that I have worked with, I shake their arm of loosen it up to put their coats on. Thanks for the suggestions. laurie > > Reply-To: > Date: Tue, 7 Sep 2004 08:25:39 -0400 > To: > > Subject: RE: power wheelchairs > > Hi Laurie - how are you activating the joystick? I do mine by pushing > against the joystick lightly on the side of my thumb and side of my first > finger by the knuckle to turn and in the crease between thumb and finger to > go forward I am not grabbing/ holding the joystick with fingers or hand, as > that causes severe cramping for me too. I hardly use any arm motion or > pressure in the process. My arm is resting on the chair arm. Is this what > you are doing already, or a possible option? > > Cheers, Ruth > > > > _____ > > From: Laureta Fitzgerald > Sent: Tuesday, August 31, 2004 7:28 PM > To: > Subject: power wheelchairs > > > > Hi > > For those of you who use power wheelchairs with a joystick, I need help. My > right arm (joystick arm) is cramping and having spasms from using the > joystick. Does anyone else have this problem and/or a way to solve it. It > hurts all the time and I could use some way to lessen the pain. The chair > seems to fit okay and was checked by the wheelchair seating clinic. > > laurie > > > > Medical advice, information, opinions, data and statements contained herein > are not necessarily those of the list moderators. The author of this e mail > is entirely responsible for its content. List members are reminded of their > responsibility to evaluate the content of the postings and consult with > their physicians regarding changes in their own treatment. > > Personal attacks are not permitted on the list and anyone who sends one is > automatically moderated or removed depending on the severity of the attack. > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 7, 2004 Report Share Posted September 7, 2004 Ruth I use a similar grip. It seems to be the not moving the arm that causes problems, so I have been stopping and swinging my arm every so often which is helping. laurie > > Reply-To: > Date: Tue, 7 Sep 2004 08:25:39 -0400 > To: > > Subject: RE: power wheelchairs > > Hi Laurie - how are you activating the joystick? I do mine by pushing > against the joystick lightly on the side of my thumb and side of my first > finger by the knuckle to turn and in the crease between thumb and finger to > go forward I am not grabbing/ holding the joystick with fingers or hand, as > that causes severe cramping for me too. I hardly use any arm motion or > pressure in the process. My arm is resting on the chair arm. Is this what > you are doing already, or a possible option? > > Cheers, Ruth > > > > _____ > > From: Laureta Fitzgerald > Sent: Tuesday, August 31, 2004 7:28 PM > To: > Subject: power wheelchairs > > > > Hi > > For those of you who use power wheelchairs with a joystick, I need help. My > right arm (joystick arm) is cramping and having spasms from using the > joystick. Does anyone else have this problem and/or a way to solve it. It > hurts all the time and I could use some way to lessen the pain. The chair > seems to fit okay and was checked by the wheelchair seating clinic. > > laurie > > > > Medical advice, information, opinions, data and statements contained herein > are not necessarily those of the list moderators. The author of this e mail > is entirely responsible for its content. List members are reminded of their > responsibility to evaluate the content of the postings and consult with > their physicians regarding changes in their own treatment. > > Personal attacks are not permitted on the list and anyone who sends one is > automatically moderated or removed depending on the severity of the attack. > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 7, 2004 Report Share Posted September 7, 2004 Ruth I use a similar grip. It seems to be the not moving the arm that causes problems, so I have been stopping and swinging my arm every so often which is helping. laurie > > Reply-To: > Date: Tue, 7 Sep 2004 08:25:39 -0400 > To: > > Subject: RE: power wheelchairs > > Hi Laurie - how are you activating the joystick? I do mine by pushing > against the joystick lightly on the side of my thumb and side of my first > finger by the knuckle to turn and in the crease between thumb and finger to > go forward I am not grabbing/ holding the joystick with fingers or hand, as > that causes severe cramping for me too. I hardly use any arm motion or > pressure in the process. My arm is resting on the chair arm. Is this what > you are doing already, or a possible option? > > Cheers, Ruth > > > > _____ > > From: Laureta Fitzgerald > Sent: Tuesday, August 31, 2004 7:28 PM > To: > Subject: power wheelchairs > > > > Hi > > For those of you who use power wheelchairs with a joystick, I need help. My > right arm (joystick arm) is cramping and having spasms from using the > joystick. Does anyone else have this problem and/or a way to solve it. It > hurts all the time and I could use some way to lessen the pain. The chair > seems to fit okay and was checked by the wheelchair seating clinic. > > laurie > > > > Medical advice, information, opinions, data and statements contained herein > are not necessarily those of the list moderators. The author of this e mail > is entirely responsible for its content. List members are reminded of their > responsibility to evaluate the content of the postings and consult with > their physicians regarding changes in their own treatment. > > Personal attacks are not permitted on the list and anyone who sends one is > automatically moderated or removed depending on the severity of the attack. > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 7, 2004 Report Share Posted September 7, 2004 Ruth I use a similar grip. It seems to be the not moving the arm that causes problems, so I have been stopping and swinging my arm every so often which is helping. laurie > > Reply-To: > Date: Tue, 7 Sep 2004 08:25:39 -0400 > To: > > Subject: RE: power wheelchairs > > Hi Laurie - how are you activating the joystick? I do mine by pushing > against the joystick lightly on the side of my thumb and side of my first > finger by the knuckle to turn and in the crease between thumb and finger to > go forward I am not grabbing/ holding the joystick with fingers or hand, as > that causes severe cramping for me too. I hardly use any arm motion or > pressure in the process. My arm is resting on the chair arm. Is this what > you are doing already, or a possible option? > > Cheers, Ruth > > > > _____ > > From: Laureta Fitzgerald > Sent: Tuesday, August 31, 2004 7:28 PM > To: > Subject: power wheelchairs > > > > Hi > > For those of you who use power wheelchairs with a joystick, I need help. My > right arm (joystick arm) is cramping and having spasms from using the > joystick. Does anyone else have this problem and/or a way to solve it. It > hurts all the time and I could use some way to lessen the pain. The chair > seems to fit okay and was checked by the wheelchair seating clinic. > > laurie > > > > Medical advice, information, opinions, data and statements contained herein > are not necessarily those of the list moderators. The author of this e mail > is entirely responsible for its content. List members are reminded of their > responsibility to evaluate the content of the postings and consult with > their physicians regarding changes in their own treatment. > > Personal attacks are not permitted on the list and anyone who sends one is > automatically moderated or removed depending on the severity of the attack. > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.