Ask a PT Response: "Does your patient have any contractures (stiffening of the joint, causing it to shorten and stay bent) at her upper extremities and wrist/hands? If so, stretching & ROM exercises along with splinting/bracing may be beneficial. Restricting the upper extremity which is favored and encouraging the increase use of the less favored upper extremity for various functional exercises such as reaching, grabbing, lifting, etc. has been found beneficial in therapy. Some of the equipment which may be utilized in the PT clinic can include and isn't limited to shoulder pulleys, hand dynamometers, putty, hand weights, cones, tubing, etc. From what you describe it appears your patient would be appropriate for PT given she has potential for increasing her functional status (independent with wheelchair mobility) and it may be a good ideal to look into this as the PT would be able to develop a plan of care specific to her needs."