United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

When I went to the Florida bpi picnic last weekend, I also attended a couple of spring training baseball games. One of the things I love about spring training games is that you can sit so close to the action. At one game we were only a couple of rows from the on deck circle where the batters warm up.

So I watched them do their stretches with the baseball bat. Hmmm, I thought, this might be good for me! So this week I have been using one of those mini bats, holding it out in front of me with both hands and then moving it from side to side. I also use it to raise the arm above my head and I get a really really good stretch. Much better than what I have been doing which was just using the other arm to pull the bpi arm up into a stretch.

I'm going to watch those baseball players more closely next time I go to the ball park and see if I can pick up any more tips.

Just thought I'd share with you all.

Nancy

Nancy
you brought back some wonderful memories for me!
Gavin's therapist Jean bought him a foam sponge babseball bat and some sponge foam balls when he was 3 and she used to throw the balls at all levels to him and he just adored swinging the bat to hit them!
I had forgotten ALL about it until you posted
We used to have lots of fun doing that when he was smaller - now he's nearly teenaged, therapy is a battle - so we've left it off for a while.
Enjoy your stretching and thanks for the memory!
karen

Nancy

I think that is a great idea... but I think you just like looking at the players... hmmm

I had a dancing cane I used as a child and a broomstick because the bats were too heavy for me. I really should think about using a stick again it sounds like and easier stretch... I do my stretch the same as you by using unaffected arm to lift...

Karen sorry Gavin fights you... LOL... that also bring back memories... I am sure most adult/obpi can relate to the time when they just did not want to talk, think or hear about stretching and what you have to do... My Mom told my husband the week we were getting married it was his job to remind me to stretch... I won't repeat what I told him... but he never once told me to stretch.... LOL...
Kath

Ha ha Kath!

Actually I stretch with a 'mini' bat, the regular bats are way to heavy and large for me. The mini bat is perfect.

Try using the broomstick again and see if you get a better stretch than just using the other hand to assist.

Nancy

You know, I used to play baseball. I could never stretch like that. It always hurt when I got to a certain point. I talked to my doctor when I was youger and he gave me a similar stretch that was supposed to help. I did notice though the more I did it, it seemed to get better. Two weeks ago I went and played slow-pitch softball. I tried to strecth and it hurt again. I guess the key is to keep doing it. I like many of you can't put my arm to far back, espcially over my head. The side to side did seem to loosen things up though. I dunno, just my thoughts.
I do have to disagree with you on one thing though. For me it is better to watch the cheerleaders then the players. Why do you think I went to play soft ball on a co-ed team?

Brian I see you thought things out when it came to playing sports and choose your team very carefully just in case you had to spend time on the bench. ... LOL...

You should be stretching everyday. I did not work my arm or stretch or think I had to until I noticed I had lost MY range of motion. I kept telling the doctors that something was wrong but they did not realize that I had tightened up... After 4 years of PT I have back what MY normal ROM. It is not a great range of motion but its mine. I make sure that I stretch in a hot tub at least 3 times a week.

If a baseball bat is too heavy for some of us, we could use one of those Noodles that people use to swim with. it is made of stiff foam but not heavy and very cheap at any pool supply store or in the summer I think you can buy them at some of the Dollar stores.

Kath

Love the idea of a baseball bat. I am going to try and play co-rec softball again this year. So that is a great idea as well. I never could do that behind my head with the bat thing. Maybe now who knows. I agree with Kath, I think its those white pants that does it! heheh...Hey Brain did you get your tests done yet? How did it go? Good luck to you if you haven't yet.

I go this Thursday to get the test. I am kind of nervous. I have the appointment at 1:00 and I work at 4:00. It should it make for an interesting day. I told my boss that I might be useless when it comes to working but I guess I am going in. I will let you all know Thursday night what happens.

Talking about all of this stretchin got me thinking. A couple of years ago my Chiropractor gave me a device to use to stretch my shoulder. When I was actually using it it worked. It is kind of like a big rubberband. On one end it has a strap that attaches to you arm. On the other end it has a peice of nylon fabric that goes into a door jam. When you close the door, it holds in place and then you can stand as colse or as far away as you want. The closer you are the easier it is. I was working my shoulder while moving out each time. I got pretty far out. Just a thought. If any of you go to chiropractors see if they know where you can pick one up.