by Tara Tobias | Jul 13, 2021 | Multiple Sclerosis, Spasticity, Stroke, Stroke Leg Exercises, Stroke Treatment
Can’t lift a stiff leg? This is a pretty common problem that has a few different root causes. Knowing the root cause is the best way to identify the best exercises. What can make it difficult to lift a stiff leg? Weakness Weakness in the muscles that flex the...
by Tara Tobias | Jul 12, 2021 | Balance, Mental strategies, Neurologic Rehabilitation Concepts, Spasticity, Stroke, Stroke Treatment
Fear can be a crazy thing. And in some cases can be the root cause of spasticity. Yup, negative emotions can actually make spasticity worse. And in this case, I am going to lump situational fear and anxiety together. What I mean is that maybe you are walking really...
by Tara Tobias | Mar 10, 2021 | Balance, Neurologic Rehabilitation Concepts, Spasticity, Stroke, Stroke Balance, Stroke Leg Exercises, Stroke Treatment
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...
by Tara Tobias | Oct 20, 2020 | Balance, foot drop, Neurologic Rehabilitation Concepts, Spasticity, Stroke
Circumduction is a “walking problem” that is characterized by the leg swinging out to the side. This is typically a compensatory strategy to prevent someone from catching the foot on the ground. Before we dive into what might be causing you to swing the leg around the...
by Tara Tobias | Sep 16, 2020 | Caregiver Resources, Neurologic Rehabilitation Concepts, Spasticity, Stroke Arm Exercises, Stroke Leg Exercises
Spasticity is an involuntary muscle contraction due to damage to the brain or spinal cord. This can cause muscle stiffness and pain. Additionally, involuntary muscle contractions cause the body to move in ways that feel out of one’s control. This is turn can create...
by Tara Tobias | Aug 23, 2020 | Spasticity, Stroke, Stroke Balance, Stroke Leg Exercises, Stroke Treatment
Vaulting is a walking abnormality where someone will rise up on their toe to ensure their “swinging” leg clears the ground. Under normal conditions, the swinging leg must “shorten” as it passes by the ground. To “shorten” the leg the knee must bend and the foot must...
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