Have you ever thought about what happens when you move your arm and how the muscles in your forearm work together to perform the action? Did you know that your forearm is comprised of two main types of motions - pronation and supination? This blog post will explore what pronation and supination are, their benefits, the anatomy of the forearm, the muscles involved in pronation and supination, how to do pronation and supination correctly, and how the McKie Supination Strap helps to assist with supination motion in the forearm. Let’s get started!

What is Pronation and Supination?

Pronation and supination refer to the rotational movements of the forearm, which are the two main motions of the forearm. Pronation is the inward rotation of the forearm, while supination is the outward rotation of the forearm. Pronation and supination are opposites of one another, and each has its own unique benefits.
Pronation and supination are essential for everyday tasks such as writing, eating, and drinking. Pronation and supination are also important for sports activities such as throwing a ball, swinging a baseball bat, or swinging a golf club. Proper pronation and supination of the forearm allow for greater precision and control of the movements, which can help improve performance in any activity.

Benefits of Proper Pronation and Supination

Proper pronation and supination of the forearm are important for a number of reasons. First, pronation and supination of the forearm help to keep the muscles and joints of the forearm flexible, allowing for greater range of motion and better performance. Second, proper pronation and supination can help to prevent injuries of the forearm, such as tendonitis or repetitive strain injuries. Third, pronation and supination are essential for everyday tasks, such as writing, eating, and drinking. Finally, proper pronation and supination can help athletes improve their performance by providing greater precision and control of movements.

Muscles Involved in Pronation and Supination

The muscles involved in pronation and supination of the forearm are the pronator muscles and the supinator muscles. The pronator muscles are responsible for pronation, while the supinator muscles are responsible for supination. The pronator muscles are located on the medial side of the forearm and include the pronator teres, the pronator quadratus, and the pronator radii. The supinator muscles are located on the lateral side of the forearm and include the supinator and the extensor carpi radialis longus. The pronator muscles act to rotate the forearm inward, while the supinator muscles act to rotate the forearm outward. Together, the pronator and supinator muscles work in opposition to each other to provide the full range of motion of the forearm.

How to Do Pronation and Supination Correctly

When performing pronation and supination of the forearm, it is important to use proper form in order to avoid injury and maximize range of motion. To perform pronation, start by standing with your feet hip-width apart and your arms at your sides. Next, rotate your forearm inward so that your palm is facing down. To perform supination, start by standing with your feet hip-width apart and your arms at your sides. Next, rotate your forearm outward so that your palm is facing up. When performing pronation and supination, it is important to focus on keeping your elbow straight and your shoulder relaxed. It is also important to keep your back and neck straight and avoid arching your back. Finally, make sure to breathe deeply while performing pronation and supination and focus on your range of motion.

Benefits of the McKie Splints Supination Strap

The McKie Supination Strap is an orthotic device designed to assist the supinator muscle in the forearm. The McKie Supination Strap provides the forearm motion that turns the palm up. Whether child or adult, it is needed for most activities of daily living including eating, cup holding, dressing, bathing, combing hair, brushing teeth and holding a pencil. Control of supination develops very early when infants begin to explore all sides of objects. It can be lost or fail to develop as a result of neurological injury.

View the McKie Splints Supination Straps here.

The McKie Supination Strap is available in four sizes:

The X-Small straps are typically needed by infants, while the Small straps fit toddlers through about 6 years. The Medium straps fit larger children, young teens, and smaller adults, while the Large straps fit most adults and older teens. 

X-Small (7/8 inch x 15 inches)

Small (1 inch x 18 inches)

Medium (1-1/2 inches x 24 inches)

Large (2 inches x 30 inches)

Conclusion

The McKie Supination Strap can be used to assist with the supination motion of the forearm in many ways including improved flexibility, improved range of motion, injury prevention, and improved performance in everyday tasks and activities, recovery from stroke or neurological disease, strengthen weaker muscles, and more.

Overall, supination of the forearm with the McKie Supination Strap can help to improve your performance in everyday tasks, activities, and sports. So, if you are looking to improve your performance, recover & rehabilitate strength and prevent injury of the forearm, make sure to use the McKie Supination Strap on a regular basis!

View the McKie Splints Supination Straps here: