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...
by Tara Tobias | Jun 9, 2020 | Balance, Spasticity, Stroke Leg Exercises
Curled toes is a common complaint after a stroke. This usually does not appear until several months after a stroke has occurred. People who are experiencing toe curling usually have pain when standing on the involved leg. In many cases, this is associated with...
by Tara Tobias | May 17, 2020 | Spasticity, Stroke Leg Exercises
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...
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