Brunnstrom Stages of Motor Recovery
The Brunnstrom stages of stroke recovery is one proposed model of how someone with hemiplegia will recover movement. It was developed by a physical therapist in the 1960s and proposes that this sequence of recovery falls into six loosely defined stages. The main...
Product Spotlight: A step stool with handle
A step stool with a handle is one of the most seems like an odd piece of "rehab equipment", however, it is truly "worth its weight in gold". It is probably the one itemI can honestly say I use multiple times a day in my clinic. And, rarely as an actual step stool....
Gym Ball Exercise Routine for Better Balance
A Gym ball exercise routine is a great way to improve your balance. If provided with the correct exercises, they can challenge almost every "problem area" for a stroke survivor. The main areas that are problematic after a stroke are steadiness, symmetry, and dynamic...
Spastic ankle guide to stretching
Stretching a spastic ankle is critical to improve standing and walking. However, stretching a spastic ankle can also be extremely challenging. Add to that, NOT stretching a spastic ankle and you are at risk for making it worse. Ugh..... All that being said, never...
Knee Hyperextension after a Stroke: Causes and Treatment
What is Knee Hyperextension after a Stroke? Knee hyperextension is a common problem after a stroke. Knee hyperextension is when the knee goes beyond a straight position. Yeah, not exactly natural looking or feeling. ? Knee hyperextension (recurvatum) usually happens...
Balance Problems After a Stroke
Balance is an even distribution of weight within a base to maintain an upright position. Balance problems are very common after a stroke. Balance is a critical part of almost all of our daily activities. Lack of balance confidence can elicit fear and anxiety. More...
Does Constraint Induced Movement Therapy Improve Arm Recovery?
Hemiplegia (weakness on one side of the body) can be a huge cause of disability following a stroke. This can make activities such as grasping, reaching, and manipulating objects difficult, if not impossible. Constraint Induced Movement Therapy has been well...
What is a muscle synergy?
In the world of neurologic movement disorders, we talk a lot about "abnormal synergy patterns". And they kind of "get a bad rap" in how they can inhibit motor (movement) recovery. But functional muscle synergies are not necessarily a bad thing. Here we are going to...
Getting up after a fall
Falling can be a scary thing. Getting up from the floor after a fall is the number one most important skill to learn. Safety Warning: Check in with your body before moving It is important to note, you should only attempt to get up if you are not injured for...
Product Spotlight: Stroke Arm Exercise for Spasticity
Spasticity and abnormal movement patterns can make it difficult to perform stroke arm exercise. The Urias air splint can be an invaluable tool to minimize involuntary arm contractions, reduce pain, prevent contractures, and make it one thousand times easier to manage...