5 Considerations for Purchasing Arm & Hand Rehabilitation Devices

Henry Hoffman
Thursday, July 12th, 2018
Last modified on November 4th, 2022


After experiencing a stroke, there’s a good chance that certain muscles will lose function. Because of the attack, signals and messages sent to parts of the brain become damaged, actions and movements become stifled, and frustration can begin to build. As a stroke survivor, you will undoubtedly face a variety of issuesfatigue, weakness, muscle atrophy, spasticity — but there are also many ways to address your symptoms. Arm and hand rehabilitation devices can tremendously enhance a survivor’s life and, with the right support, they can lead you closer to regaining your independence.

The objective is to provide the best opportunities to achieve a successful recovery, but it’s also important to remember that everyone’s situation is different. What works for some survivors may not work for others, so make sure to understand potential difficulties and inform yourself about what products can promote the best results.

Here are a few things to consider before you start making decisions about what products to buy and use:

1. Your Arm Is Not the Problem

Even though it may seem like your arm is the issue — especially if you are experiencing pain or weakness during use — the real problem lies within the communication process between the brain and body. Think of it like a game of “Simon Says”. Simon is telling you to touch your nose, and even though you may feel like you’re following the directions, your hands wind up rubbing your belly instead. Keep in mind, however, that while the arm is not the cause of the problem, it plays a significant role in the rebuilding of normal functionality. Various repetition exercises and treatments can aid in neuroplasticity, so the relationship between arm and brain must be a symbiotic one to promote healthy development throughout the recovery process.

2. Know What You Need

Along with self-diagnosing what areas of development require work, it’s always a good idea to consult with a doctor or therapist to verify and offer insight into your findings. Of course, nobody knows your body better than you, but having a professional who knows your situation and understands your challenges can be very helpful in selecting the right arm and hand rehabilitation devices.

3. Think about the Prices

Surviving a stroke and undergoing rehabilitation can be expensive, so you don’t want to add any unnecessary pressure on your finances. Before making your purchase, ask yourself three questions: “Can I afford it?” “Will it pay for itself?” “Can I get my money back if it’s a poor fit?” These three questions will steer you away from purchasing overpriced tools that don’t get used or get the job done. The ideal arm or hand rehab device is affordable, user-friendly enough that a survivor can get consistent value from consistent use, and comes with a fair and robust return policy that does not penalize the survivor for a misguided purchase. Some companies, like Saebo, have a risk-free trial program that allows a survivor to wear or use the product in their home to determine whether the product will meet their needs.

4. Read the Reviews

Although circumstances differ, it never hurts to engage with other survivors and learn their opinions on different devices. The company that makes the device will, naturally, have nothing but good things to say, but you can always research product reviews, consult with medical professionals, and use your best judgment before committing.

5. Make Sure You’re Able to Use It

Depending on the severity of your stroke, there’s a possibility that you may not be able to utilize an arm or hand rehabilitation device to its full potential. For example, if you incorporate a device into your routine, and it starts to give you pain or extreme soreness, it may be prudent to stick with other exercises.

Because your main goal is to feel better, you don’t want to do anything that will jeopardize your progress. If you’re feeling uneasy about a device, do your research and consult with your doctor to ensure that you’re making the best decision for your recovery.

Arm & Hand Rehabilitation Devices to Help You Get Started

Choosing the device that will best suit your hand/arm recovery can be challenging. Here is a list of Saebo’s arm and hand rehabilitation devices to help you begin your search for the product that’s right for you.

The SaeboMAS: Arm Rehabilitation Device for Fighting Weakness

SaeboMas mobile arm support device for stroke recovery

After a stroke occurs, muscle weakness or damaged coordination can be expected. If this is the case for you or a loved one, being aware of the issues throughout the rehabilitation process is an important first step. You’ll need to make sure that you’re incorporating as many movements as possible into your daily routine, to ward off potential problems. If your physical abilities are drastically limited at start, a supportive arm rehab device can be extremely useful. The SaeboMAS is a mobile arm support that offers zero-gravity assistance to weakened shoulders, while providing a full range of motion for many everyday tasks and activities. The device is designed to increase the strength of neglected arm muscles, and it can counteract many other difficulties, such as joint pain, atrophy, and spasticity.

The SaeboFlex: Hand Rehabilitation Device for Grasp & Release

SaeboFlex hand rehabilitation device for practicing grasp & release after stroke

After a stroke event, decreased arm and hand function is extremely common. The SaeboFlex is a hand rehabilitation device that allows survivors the ability to involve and use their arm and hand, in therapy and at home. The SaeboFlex positions the wrist and fingers into extension and the user is able to grasp objects by voluntarily flexing his or her fingers. Once the fingers relax (stop gripping), the extension spring system assists in re-opening the hand to release the object.

The SaeboGlove: Hand Rehabilitation Device for At-home Use

SaeboGlove hand rehabilitation glove for incorporating hand therapy at home

For stroke survivors with less muscle tone, which can make them a poor fit for the SaeboFlex, the SaeboGlove helps clients use their hand in therapy and at home. The proprietary tension system extends the clients fingers and thumb following grasping.

The SaeboStretch: Hand Rehabilitation Device for Addressing Spasticity

SaeboStretch hand rehabilitation device and dynamic hand splint for improving motion and minimizing joint pain

The revolutionary SaeboStretch dynamic resting hand splint helps stroke survivors maintain or improve motion while minimizing joint damage and pain. The energy-storing technology of Saebo allows individuals suffering from spasticity to use this tool and be able to stretch comfortably and safely.

Helping Stroke Survivors Hit Their Recovery Goals with Arm & Hand Rehabilitation Devices

No matter how small they are or how long they take, recovery goals are benchmarks in which a survivor can find purpose and strength. Setting and accomplishing goals also helps to create an all-inclusive support system around a patient’s recovery. Patients, family members, doctors, therapists — everyone becomes a vital member of the team, and everyone can contribute to recognizing and alleviating many of the concerns that a survivor may have.

Always remember that dealing with the aftermath of a stroke can be exhausting. Although it’s crucial to make progress and see results, being patient and understanding is just as vital to a survivor’s recovery. To make sure that the right care is being applied in all areas of development for yourself or your loved one, consult with your doctor and maintain open lines of communication throughout the rehabilitation process.


All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. Reliance on any information provided by the Saebo website is solely at your own risk.

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