The Occupational Therapist who
saw you today was:
_____________________________
Feedback
We appreciate and encourage feedback. If
you need advice or are concerned about
any aspect of care or treatment please
speak to a member of staff or contact the
Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS): Oedema (swelling)
Freephone (City Hospital Campus):
0800 052 1195 management
Freephone (QMC Campus):
0800 183 0204
following a stroke
From a mobile or abroad:
Information for patients
0115 924 9924 ext 65412 or 62301
Minicom: 0800 183 0204 Occupational Therapy
E-mail: pals@nuh.nhs.uk Department
Letter: NUH NHS Trust, c/o PALS,
Freepost NEA 14614,
Nottingham NG7 1BR
www.nuh.nhs.uk
This document can be provided in
different languages and formats. For
more information please contact:
Stroke Unit
The Trust endeavours to ensure that the City Campus
information given here is accurate and Hucknall Road, Nottingham
impartial. Tel: 0115 969 1169 ext 57207
Tamara Stewart and Fiona Mcloughlin, Occupational
Health Department February 2012. All rights reserved.
Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust. Review
February 2014. Ref: 1222/v1/0212/JA.
Aim of the leaflet
This leaflet is aimed at people who have
swelling to their hand and arm following a
stroke.
This leaflet aims to explain why swelling
occurs and how to manage it.
Swelling (Oedema)
Swelling is a collection of fluid in the body
tissues. Swelling in the hand and arm
(upper limb) can occur to the affected side
after a stroke.
Swelling that remains in the upper limb for
long periods of time can result in pain or
further loss of movement.
Swelling can be caused by lack of
movement to a limb following a stroke or
incorrect positioning. Functional use of the
limb can assist in reducing oedema.
The following advice is aimed at helping
you to reduce swelling and manage and
promote function of the upper limb.
Positioning / Elevation
The hand and arm should be raised using
pillows when lying or sitting to encourage
redistribution of fluid.
Individual advice on positioning:
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Massage
The fluid which causes the upper limb to be
swollen can be moved from the affected
area by using massage techniques. This
stimulates the bodys drainage system and
reduces the swelling.
Directions: Starting at the tips of the
fingers massage using firm strokes up the
fingers, hand and wrist towards the
forearm. Massage both the palm and back
of the hand. Passive range of movement
through the joints can also help. Frequency
of massage will be recommended by your
occupational therapist. See details below:
Name:
__________________________________
Length of massage:
__________________________________
Affected area:
__________________________________
Number of times each day:
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Other information:
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