## Understanding Hand Spasticity After a stroke or brain injury, the muscles in your hand may become tight and difficult to open. This spasticity can make daily tasks challenging and may worsen without intervention. ## Why Stretching Matters - Prevents contractures (permanent shortening) - Reduces pain and discomfort - Prepares the hand for functional exercises - Maintains joint range of motion ## Stretches Demonstrated ### Opening a Tight Fist Learn safe techniques to gently open fingers that want to stay closed. ### Thumb Stretching The thumb is crucial for grip - keeping it mobile is essential. ### Wrist Stretches Side-to-side and flexion/extension movements to maintain wrist flexibility. ### Finger Extension Combined stretches for fingers and wrist together. ### Forearm Rotation Supina