Ankle Contractures: Best and worst treatments
One of many problems when the neurologic system is damaged are ankle contractures. A contracture is where the soft tissue structures surrounding a joint shorten causing loss of movement. What Causes a Contracture? There are several factors that can lead to an ankle...
Fix your fear of falling
Balance (also known as postural stability) is dramatically impacted when there is damage to the neurologic system and can increase the fear of falling. It is the one ability most of us (adult humans) take for granted……..until it is gone. Lack of postural stability...
Stroke: Critical Tips (0-3 months)
Stroke survivors often suffer from a myriad of complications after their stroke. In an effort to help you get the most out of your rehab (and reach your maximum potential) there are some critical tips and/or “foundational” points of emphasis. Things you didn't...
Parkinson’s Disease: Managing Depression
Depression is common problem associated with Parkinson's disease (PD) and can affect all aspects of your life. In fact, it is estimated that approx. 40-50% of those diagnosed with PD experience depression. Depression is a serious mental illness that causes severe...
Multiple Sclerosis: How much exercise is enough?
It seems almost every other week there is some new study on the benefits of exercise and how it can help prevent conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and depression. But what about multiple sclerosis? The national MS society reports that 1 million people are...
Equipment for Stroke Arm Exercises
Products For a Spastic Arm Having the right tools for stroke arm rehabilitation is critical. Especially for those who have spasticity. Spasticity is an involuntary muscle contraction caused by damage to the brain and/or spinal cord. In the arm it can cause...
Foam Wedges: For positioning and more
Positioning/Stretching Foam Wedge This wedge is made of dense foam with a rubber base to keep it from sliding. Uses: It can be used to position the pelvis. It can be placed under the thigh in sitting to stop the leg from rotating outward. It can be used for bridging...
Clonus: Causes and Treatment
Clonus is an involuntary, rhythmic muscle contraction followed by a relaxation. It is a sign that there is damage to the brain and/or the spinal cord (upper motor neuron). More specifically, the part of the nervous system that controls movement (descending motor...
Rolling with the punches after a Stroke
Why do some people seem to “thrive” in the midst of life’s challenges? You know the type. Or maybe you don’t. To understand what I mean, you need to be a “people analyzer”. You see, I AM a “people analyzer”. I love to know what makes people tick. Especially when it...
Abnormal Muscle Synergies after a Stroke or Brain Injury
Abnormal muscle synergies are one of the most common "movement problems" after a stroke or brain injury. What is an abnormal muscle synergy? A flexor synergy is when the hip, knee, and ankle all flex at the same time (visualize drawing your knee into your chest). An...
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