Figure-8 Shoulder Retraction Strap
Thank You Joni Armstrong MOT, OTR, CHT & Amy (OT student)

 
 
 
 

Purpose

Bring the shoulders back into retraction. Provide anterior shoulder stretch. Provide shoulder support and positioning.

Typical Indications And Diagnosis for Use (doesn't mean its not used for other things):
Used with individuals who position their shoulders in elevation and internal rotation most of the time, developing anterior shoulder and pectoral tightness. It can be used with individual who lack shoulder stability. Diagnoses might include cerebral palsy, arthrogryposis, or radial plexopathy. [and brachial plexus injuries, I think all three of my OT's bpi girls have one.]

Materials

1) 2 inch wide lycra backed neoprene
2) 1.5 to 2 inch metal or plastic ring
3) 2 inch wide Velcro hook
4) 2 inch wide Velcro loop
5) Sewing machine
6) Scissors

Note the strap in children is smaller. 2 inch width is used in adults. I would suggest 1 to 1.5 inch for children but probably 1.5 inch.

 Pattern and Fabrication Sequence

1) Bring the 2 inch wide neoprene from the center in the back, around the front of the shoulder, under the axilla (armpit) and to the center of the back again. Add three inches (for sewing) and cut off.
2) Loop one end through the ring trimming edges to decrease bulk and stitch.
3) Loop the other end through the rings trimming edges to decrease bulk and stitch.
4) Cut a second piece of strapping 3 inches longer than the first.
5) Loop one end through the ring trimming edges to decrease bulk and stitch.
6) Sew Velcro loop and hook on the end so that when brought through the ring it will connect.
7) To apply, bring one shoulder through one loop centering the ring between the shoulder blades at the back. Wrap the other strap around the opposite shoulder, then through the ring and attach Velcro. This should retract the shoulders back.

Possible modifications that we are working on (My OT think about this design and modify it at times to better fit the child and situation. She often asks for my feedback because I can easily express my feelings toward the strap where young children might not be able to.)

Instead of step 3, you might want to try step 6 for both sides of the strap. Sew the top straps on to the loop but do the velcro for both bottoms of the strap. That way it is more adjustable.

If a ring in the center bothers, you could sew in a triangle then use D-rings (rectangles with an open center, usually made of metal but I have seen them in plastic)



If I think of more modifications we have used, I will post them.

This should fit snug enough to pull the shoulder back, its great for posture if you need to try it on your self before trying it on your child. THe catch it because it fits snug, pay attention to the skin just like you would with any other splint. Some may not be able to wear the shoulder strap any longer than 20 minutes at a time. Others can wear it all day. I am a 20 minute to and hour person because it bothers my armpits. I think its the shaving aspect. I need to pull mine out and wear it again. I am starting to pull back into internal rotation. UHG

Here are pics of mine, its a bit different than the one I wrote directions for (another modification I suppose) Mine was made in about 10 minutes as a last minute thought and we didn't have and rings to use in the center. So mine is not adjustable which is a bummer. I would love it a lot more if it was adjustable. I would get more pull from it if it was adjustable. Instead, I have to wait until my shoulder is really internally rotated before I get a pull from it.

You can get the neoprene very inexpensively at Dollar Stores (waist trimmer belt) or Target, Walmart, etc. or you can cut up some neoprene bike shorts.