Arm positioning
The patient should place their hands in a stable position before starting the transfer, alternating arms for each new transfer.
- Their push-off (trailing) hand should be close to the body.
- Their leading hand should be close to where they will be landing. (Koontz et al., 2011)
The patient will abduct the leading arm approximately 30-45°
- The patient should limit the number of transfers performed with the shoulders internally rotated/abducted/flexed
- The patient will not fully bear weight on a shoulder that is internally rotated, abducted and flexed to avoid arm positions that can lead to impingement
Avoid potentially injurious or extreme positions at the shoulder, including extreme internal rotation and abduction.
