What is the upper extremity function index and how can it help my PT?

The upper extremity function index is a measure that specialists use during treatment. It is used to determine a patient’s ability to function while they are suffering from chronic pain, injury or other disability in their upper body. This includes conditions that affect the shoulders, arms, wrists and hands. 

If you are experiencing pain in your arms and shoulders, daily activities such as doing the dishes, grocery shopping and lifting boxes can often become very difficult. You may find that even the simplest task causes you to feel pain, or that you may not be able to perform some tasks at all. The upper extremity function index measures how much your condition might be impairing you.

How does the upper extremity function index work?

The index is calculated when a patient answers a series of 20 questions about their daily activities. The questions ask how well they feel they can perform these activities while suffering from a shoulder, arm, wrist, or hand condition.

For example, one question might ask the patient how easily they feel they can lift a bag of groceries above their head. The patient will answer with how well they can perform this task. Points are allocated based on the patient’s answer. If the patient experiences no difficulty, they are awarded 4 points. If they cannot perform this action at all, however, they are awarded 0 points.

At the end of the 20 questions, the patient should have a score that determines their ability to function. Higher scores indicated a higher level of function, while lower scores show that the patient has difficulty performing everyday tasks.

How does the upper extremity function index help my physical therapy?

The upper extremity function index is an excellent tool for both patients and physical therapists alike. 

• It helps therapists treat more effectively — The index helps physical therapists learn in what areas their patient might need the most rehabilitation. They can focus their treatment on pain reduction, mobility or muscle strength depending on where the patient is having the most difficulty.

• It helps therapists understand their patient — Physical therapists can look at a patient’s results and learn more about each individual patient’s function, pain threshold and individual daily needs. 

• It helps patients find accomodations — The index can help patients to discover what accommodations they might need to make in order to perform tasks at home or at work.

• It helps with communication — The upper extremity function index is a tool that helps patients communicate with their therapists. It also lets the patient know that their therapist is actively invested in helping them improve their function and is ready to listen to their concerns.

Can physical therapy help to treat my pain?

If you are experiencing chronic pain in your shoulder, arms, wrists or hands, don’t suffer any longer. Contact the experts at Advent Physical Therapy today to see how we can help. Our team of experienced physical therapists can help you by pinpointing the cause of your pain and working with you to treat it. 

Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.