Sensory input to the hand

One thing I don't remember learning a lot about at uni was hand astereognosis. On my current prac we have been shown a number of techniques in which the palm of the hand and the fingers are bombarded with sensory information. Apparently the theory is to do with the sensory homunculus, as the representation for the hand/fingers is massive and consequently stimulation will help to improve function. We were shown techniques where the therapists scratches or rubs the pts hand with their own, as well as rolling an edged pencil down the hand proximal to distal (to encourage extension), and also 'colouring in' the pts hand. It worked quite a treat, and helped to reduce tone and allow other exercises such as reaching facilitation. Just a technique you might want to try!!

dani