Can you straighten the arm of a stroke victim?

Flexion contractures: One of the problems with stroke is that the balance of flexion and extension muscles are often lost and the greater tone results in abnormal postures (contractures). The real answer depends on how recently the cva has occurred and if the patient has been splinted, received pt or Botox (to weaken the stronger pull). The longer the deformity has been present the less chance it will be recoverable.

Stroke: If the arm is freely movable it can be straightened, if very tight and rigid then physical therapy would be needed to provide more mobility to the movement.

Arm spasticity: The hand gets fisted and the arm is flexed at the elbow in many stroke victims, "upper limb spasticity", and rigourous physical therapy may help. But a more direct and more effective approach can be from a series of Botox injections. Acupuncture may also help. Drugs such as baclofen, tizanidine, and rarely dantrolene may be useful.