Intensive Arm Exercises After Stroke Improves Strength and Function
NeuroRehab Team
Wednesday, January 17th, 2018
Arm and HandElectrical StimulationNeuroplasticityOccupational TherapyRobotics
Intensive therapy can help people who have suffered a stroke recover motor function—even if the treatment begins a year or more after the stroke occurred. After a stroke, the brain and body can start recovering immediately and can show improvement up to six months afterward.
Improve Functional Mobility With Lower Extremity Stroke Technology
NeuroRehab Team
Tuesday, December 26th, 2017
BalanceBody Weight SupportElectrical StimulationExercise AidsFoot Drop BraceLegLeg BikeMirror TherapyMobilityNeuroplasticity
One of the most common impairments resulting from stroke is paralysis, which can affect a portion or the entire side of the body. Problems with body posture, walking, and balance can be significant. A patient’s rehabilitation should start as soon as he or she is stable. That could be anywhere from a couple of days to a few weeks or longer. Established guidelines, as well as a huge body of literature, insist that the earlier therapy is initiated the better.
Stroke Hand Treatment Using Biofeedback Electrical Stimulation
NeuroRehab Team
Monday, September 4th, 2017
Arm and HandBiofeedbackElectrical StimulationHand Function Splints
Activities of Daily Living (ADL) are impacted continuously for may stroke survivors that suffer from limited arm and hand function and movement. Research indicates that Biofeedback and Electrical Stimulation can result in improved mobility and functional use. Biofeedback combined with electrical stimulation (NMES or FES) can be an effective tool in reducing the symptoms of stroke, such as increasing strength and function.
7 Visual Motor Training Devices For Stroke Recovery
NeuroRehab Team
Monday, July 31st, 2017
Following a stroke or other neurological injury, multiple vision disorders can occur including the inability to recognize objects, color vision deficits and difficulty with perceiving various types of motion. Approximately 20% of patients experience permanent visual deficits (Romano JG. J of Neurol Sci. 2008).
According to the National Stroke Association, homonymous hemianopia, which is the loss of one half of the visual field in each eye, is the most common visual disorder. Most people who have vision loss after a stroke do not fully recover their vision. Thankfully, some recovery is possible. Treatment and outcomes will depend on the type of vision impairment and its cause.
Listed below are 7 Visual Motor Training Devices that are currently available on the market that can assist with improving recovery.
5 “Out-of-Shoe” Foot Drop Braces You Should Know About
NeuroRehab Team
Wednesday, July 12th, 2017
Whether you suffered a stroke, living with multiple sclerosis (MS) or experiencing another neurological disorder, experiencing Foot Drop can be quite a struggle. Finding the right support to maintain foot clearance when walking can be challenging at best. Areas of concern include size, comfort, durability and effectiveness.
Listed below are 5 comfortable “out-of-shoe” Foot Drop Braces that are currently available on the market. Although the below braces may be more comfortable to wear, it is important to realize that not everyone will qualify for these lower profile ankle supports. Individuals will need to consult with a healthcare professional to make the most appropriate choice for their needs.
How to Improve Hand Function Following a Stroke
NeuroRehab Team
Thursday, June 1st, 2017
Arm and HandCIMTHand Function Splints
It is not uncommon for individuals to experience decreased hand function and strength following a neurological injury such as stroke. Sadly, even after 6 months following stroke, over 60% of clients are still struggling to achieve full arm and hand recovery (Kwakkel et al., 2003). Moreover, the inability to actively open the hand for pre-grasp activities is a severe limitation for many stroke survivors. The impaired movements lead to decreased independence in leisure and self-care tasks (activities of daily living). Because this limited function is a difficult challenge, traditionally, clients were required to relearn new compensatory movement patterns and one-handed strategies so functional activities could be achieved.
Intensive 3-Day “Stroke Boot Camp” For Patients Now Available
NeuroRehab Team
Sunday, May 7th, 2017
The Stroke Hand and Upper Limb Clinic, offered by occupational therapists specializing in neurorehabilitation, provides an intensive (3 days, 6 hours per day) upper extremity treatment program for patients suffering from neurological impairments such as spasticity and weakness. The specialized stroke clinic, located in Charleston, SC is geared primarily towards clients that struggle with arm and hand function.
Risk for Falls Following Stroke
NeuroRehab Team
Monday, April 24th, 2017
Studies have shown that stroke survivors are twice as likely to fall following a stroke and more than three times as likely as the general population to fall multiple times. About 40 percent of stroke survivors have serious falls within a year of their stroke.
Stroke/Neuro Products That Improve Strength and Function
NeuroRehab Team
Monday, April 3rd, 2017
Arm and HandCognitionCommunicationFoot Drop BraceLegMobilityNeuroplasticityVision
It is true that recovering from a stroke will be an uphill battle for many, however, it is also accurate that the latest research findings regarding neuro recovery are more promising than ever before. How serious are you with embracing evidence into your practice? As a clinician, are you stuck using numerous theoretical-based treatment concepts that have not scientifically been proven to be effective?
Listed below are some of the common interventions supported by research that have shown positive results. How many of the below techniques are in your current therapy toolbox? If just a few, then why?
Best Electrode Position and Placement for Leg and Foot Stroke Rehabilitation
NeuroRehab Team
Friday, March 24th, 2017
Electrical StimulationElectrode Placement
Electrical stimulation, also referred to as e-stim, NMES, or FES, can be an effective tool in reducing the symptoms of stroke, such as increasing strength and function. The success of one’s recovery using electrical stimulation will rely heavily on proper electrode placement.
Listed below are some key video examples of lower limb electrode positioning by Axelgaard. Click on the thumbnail below to visit the video link.
Swollen Arm and Hand (Edema) Following Stroke
NeuroRehab Team
Monday, March 6th, 2017
Edema is swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in the body’s tissues. Although edema can affect any part of your body, it’s most commonly noticed in the hands, arms, feet, ankles and legs. Edema occurs from a variety of reasons. For individuals who are inactive, a collection of fluid in the ankles and legs, fingers and hands can be seen. Individuals that are paralyzed after a neurological injury such as stroke, may have fluid collection just on the affected side.
15 Things Caregivers Must Know After A Stroke
NeuroRehab Team
Tuesday, January 31st, 2017
It can be quite challenging caring for someone with a stroke. When a loved one is first hospitalized immediately after a stroke, families usually assist the hospital team with key personal information as well as convey patient care preferences and serve as the connection between the hospital staff and the patient. You suddenly become the patient’s voice and chief advocate.
Stroke Recovery Using Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT)
NeuroRehab Team
Monday, January 23rd, 2017
Arm and HandCIMTNeuroplasticity
What is it?
Constraint-induced movement therapy (CI, CIT, or CIMT) is a form of rehabilitation therapy that improves upper extremity function in stroke and other neurological injuries by increasing the use of their affected upper limb. The focus of CIMT is to combine restraint of the unaffected limb and intensive use of the affected limb. Types of restraints include a sling, a splint, a sling combined with a resting hand splint, a half glove, and a mitt. Determination of the type of restraint used for therapy depends on the required level of safety vs. intensity of therapy.
New Online Directory Collects Reviews of Stroke Rehab
NeuroRehab Team
Monday, January 2nd, 2017
A new, non-biased website dedicated to assisting patients, families and health professionals with identifying appropriate neuro-rehab solutions and resources has recently launched. The directory is specifically designed for individuals with neurological injuries such as stroke, brain injury, cerebral palsy and spinal cord injury.
Top 5 Apps for Hand Recovery Following Stroke
NeuroRehab Team
Wednesday, December 21st, 2016
The latest research shows that the brain is capable of rewiring and adapting after stroke. Therefore, arm and hand recovery is more possible than previously thought. However, in order to improve function in the upper limb, the client must be willing to incorporate the affected side purposefully and repeatedly.
What is Electrical Stimulation? Advances in Stroke Treatment.
NeuroRehab Team
Friday, December 2nd, 2016
BiofeedbackElectrical Stimulation
Electrical stimulation, also referred to as e-stim, NMES, or FES, can be an effective tool in reducing the symptoms of stroke, such as increasing strength and function. The success of one’s recovery using electrical stimulation will rely heavily on proper electrode placement.
Stroke Therapy Products That Help With Recovery
NeuroRehab Team
Friday, November 25th, 2016
Arm and HandCognitionLegVision
Listed below are various clinical product categories that you may have learned while in therapy. Feel free to click on any category to see a list of products that may be appropriate for your needs.
Measuring Arm and Hand Function using the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT)
NeuroRehab Team
Wednesday, November 23rd, 2016
Evaluating the impact of stroke rehabilitation requires the use of reliable, valid, and objective outcome measures. Despite consensus among nationally published guidelines recommending the use of valid and reliable assessment tools, the scientific community lacks direction regarding what outcome measures should be selected for particular evaluative needs. One measure that appears to have general acceptance and embraced by many neurorehabilitation specialists is the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT).
Key Facts About Stroke
NeuroRehab Team
Wednesday, November 23rd, 2016
A stroke, or cerebrovascular accident (CVA), is the rapid loss of brain function(s) due to disturbance in the blood supply to the brain. When you have an ischemic stroke, there is an interruption, or reduction, of the blood supply. Eighty percent of all strokes occur due to ischemia. With a hemorrhagic stroke, there is bleeding in the brain. After about 4 minutes without blood and oxygen, brain cells become damaged and may die. When brain cells are damaged or die, the body parts controlled by those cells cannot function. The loss of function may be mild or severe and temporary or permanent. This depends on where and how much of the brain is damaged and how fast the blood supply can be returned to the affected cells.
Virtual Reality And Gaming Technology Helps Stroke Patients Recover
NeuroRehab Team
Tuesday, November 15th, 2016
NeuroplasticityVirtual Reality
There is strong evidence that repetitive task specific training techniques improve upper extremity function. Task training yields long lasting cortical reorginization specific to the corresponding areas being used. Traditional treatment interventions are based primarily on routine exercises and/or purposeful activities. For many patients, the road to recovery is long and difficult and clinicians are challenged with the daunting task of maintaining patient motivation and compliance while alleviating boredom. Computer based games and virtual reality have recently emerged as novel strategies to maintain motivation and compliance while providing the necessary repetitive training.
New Stroke App Recommends Evidence-Based Treatment For Arm and Hand Impairment
NeuroRehab Team
Friday, October 21st, 2016
AppsArm and HandNeuroplasticity
It is true that recovering from a stroke will be an uphill battle for many, however, it is also accurate that the latest research findings regarding neuro recovery are more promising than ever before. How serious are you with embracing evidence into your practice?
Wearable Stroke Technology Puts Patient Back in Control
NeuroRehab Team
Tuesday, October 11th, 2016
Arm and HandElectrical Stimulation
According to new research published in the American Heart Association journal Stroke, researchers at the MetroHealth System, Case Western Reserve University, and the Cleveland Functional Electrical Stimulation Center have developed a glove that allows patients be in control of the stimulation to their weak hand.
Top 7 Stroke Apps for Cognitive Deficits
NeuroRehab Team
Thursday, September 29th, 2016
AppsCognitionmemoryNeuroplasticity
Damage to the brain after a stroke can cause many cognitive changes. Doing things that once were easy may now be hard. Problems with memory and thinking are very common after a stroke and most people will have some difficulties. After a stroke, cognitive rehabilitation can aid the mind just as physical therapy aids the body, according to Psych Central, an online mental health and psychology network. The purpose of cognitive therapy is to improve damaged mental abilities and language skills caused by a stroke.
Where to find Shoulder Subluxation Treatment Options?
NeuroRehab Team
Tuesday, September 20th, 2016
Electrical StimulationshoulderSubluxation Slings
One of the most common areas often affected by a neurological injury is the glenohumeral joint (i.e., shoulder). The shoulder complex is a very sophisticated and complicated joint in the body. It consists of 20 muscles, 3 bones, 3 joints, and 1 articulation. It has the greatest ROM of any joint in the body but at the expense of stability.
Leg and Mobility Neuro Stroke Courses
NeuroRehab Team
Tuesday, September 13th, 2016
Are you caught up with the latest advances in neurorehabilitation? Find relevant stroke neuro courses below to be sure.
Top Stroke Treatment and Technology To Improve Recovery and Function.
NeuroRehab Team
Wednesday, September 7th, 2016
Arm and HandCommunicationLegNeuroplasticityVision
Following an extensive search of 100’s of stroke rehabilitation products and programs, we have summarized the best available products currently on the market for stroke recovery. The products are organized into relevant categories list below. Feel free to click on any category to see a list of products that may be appropriate for your needs.
Upper Extremity Stroke Rehab CEU’s.
NeuroRehab Team
Monday, August 29th, 2016
Stroke Recovery By The Numbers
Arm and hand recovery continues to be a major problem following neurological injury. According to scientific data, fifty-percent of stroke survivors are likely to regain some functional use of the upper limb (Broeks JG et al. Disabl and Rehabil, 1999).
Find Arm and Hand NeuroRehab Courses
Forty-one percent of all patients had limited hand use at 3 months and 45% at 18 months after stroke (Welmer AK et al. J Rehabil Med, 2008). At 6 months post stroke, some dexterity was found in 38% and complete functional recovery was seen in 11.6% of patients (Kwakkel G et al. Stroke, 2003).
The latest research shows that the brain is capable of rewiring and adapting after stroke. To improve function in the upper limb, the client must be willing to incorporate the affected side purposefully, functionally, and repeatedly. In addition to functional training, other evidence-based strategies include strength training, mental imagery, robotics, and gravity compensation.
The American Occupational Therapy Association's (AOTA's) Approved Provider Program (APP) assists occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) and state licensing boards to ensure professional development activities reflect evidence-informed, occupation-centered practice. AOTA Approved Providers demonstrate they have the systems, policies, procedures and educational practices in place to adhere to the APP Guidelines and Criteria.
The above courses are evidence-based courses that review the latest information when it comes to stroke recovery. To search for stroke rehab exercise tools, visit here get started.
Helpful One-Handed Strategies for Personal Care ADL Tasks.
NeuroRehab Team
Monday, August 29th, 2016
CEU'sSelf-Care Activities (ADL)
Occupational therapists advise and counsel clients on strategies to increase functional independence and improve quality of life. Many occupational therapists struggle with knowing how to demonstrate adaptive strategies to clients who have suffered loss of one hand or loss of function of one hand to complete functional activities.
New Online Stroke/Neuro CEU Courses Now Available.
NeuroRehab Team
Wednesday, August 24th, 2016
Arm and HandCEU'sCognitionCommunicationDysphagiaLegVision
Now more than ever, occupational, physical and speech therapists are relying on evidence-based treatment to provide maximum outcomes for clients suffering from stroke and other neurological injuries. Get up-to-date with the latest advances in stroke/neuro treatment by enhancing your skills through continuing education courses.
Listed below are links to online training categorized into key groups. Feel free to click on the link to learn more about available courses.
Occupational Therapy and Stroke. The Role of an Occupational Therapist.
NeuroRehab Team
Saturday, August 20th, 2016
Individuals suffering from stroke may have difficulty with activities of daily living (ADL) such as grooming, dressing, managing a household, and with performing familiar roles (e.g., parent, spouse, employee). According to the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), occupational therapy practitioners address the physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges brought on by a stroke, and they can help stroke survivors engage in the things they want and need to do. The following tips are from occupational therapy practitioners who work with people recovering from a stroke.
10 Apps That Assist Stroke Patients With Vision Loss.
NeuroRehab Team
Monday, August 15th, 2016
AppsNeuroplasticityVisionVisual Aids
Most people who have decreased vision or double vision after a stroke do not fully recover. Some recovery is possible and it usually happens in the first few months after a stroke.
Pay it Forward. Sometimes the best medicine is good advice.
NeuroRehab Team
Sunday, August 7th, 2016
Help patients, families, and clinicians make the best decisions based on your feedback.
Excitement is building with new web-based platform, neurorehabdirectory.com, a free online resource dedicated to assisting stroke patients, families and health professionals with identifying appropriate stroke therapy products and programs. Traditional online medical websites are either out-of-date, difficult to navigate or sponsored by manufacturers. Neurorehabdirectory.com free web-based platform was developed to help individuals seamlessly search for total body stroke rehab treatment solutions and programs in an impartial way.
Stroke patients in wheelchairs able to walk again after stem cell transplant.
NeuroRehab Team
Saturday, July 23rd, 2016
LegMobilityNeuroplasticityStem Cell
Foot Drop Following Stroke. What are the Treatment Options?
NeuroRehab Team
Friday, July 15th, 2016
Electrical StimulationFoot Drop Brace
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders defines foot drop, also known as dropped foot or drop foot, as “the inability to raise the front part of the foot due to weakness or paralysis of the muscles that lift the foot.” Consequentially, people who have foot drop scuff their toes along the ground; they may also bend their knees to lift their foot higher than usual to avoid the scuffing, which causes what is called a “steppage” gait.
Best Electrode Placement For Arm and Hand Stroke Rehabilitation
NeuroRehab Team
Tuesday, July 5th, 2016
Electrical StimulationElectrode Placement
Electrical stimulation, also referred to as e-stim, NMES, or FES, can be an effective tool in reducing the symptoms of stroke, such as increasing strength and function. The success of one’s recovery using electrical stimulation will rely heavily on proper electrode placement.
Listed below are some key video examples of upper limb electrode positioning by Axelgaard. Click on the thumbnail below to visit the video link.
Stroke Treatment and Recovery. Are You Serious?
NeuroRehab Team
Friday, June 24th, 2016
Arm and HandFoot Drop BraceLegVision
It is true that recovering from a stroke will be an uphill battle for many, however, it is also accurate that the latest research findings regarding neuro recovery are more promising than ever before. How serious are you with embracing evidence into your practice? As a clinician, are you stuck using numerous theoretical-based treatment concepts that have not scientifically been proven to be effective?
Listed below are some of the common interventions supported by research that have shown positive results. How many of the below techniques are in your current therapy toolbox? If just a few, then why?
What is a Stroke? Can I Recover?
NeuroRehab Team
Thursday, June 9th, 2016
NeuroplasticityStroke Statistics
A stroke is a “brain attack”. It occurs when blood flow to an area of brain is cut off. When this happens, brain cells are deprived of oxygen and begin to die. When brain cells die during a stroke, abilities controlled by that area of the brain such as memory and muscle control are lost.
Stroke can be caused either by a clot obstructing the flow of blood to the brain (called an ischemic stroke) or by a blood vessel rupturing and preventing blood flow to the brain (called a hemorrhagic stroke). A TIA(transient ischemic attack), or “mini stroke”, is caused by a temporary clot.
10 Stroke Tips for Your Best Recovery
NeuroRehab Team
Wednesday, June 8th, 2016
By Ira Rashbaum, MD, Special to Everyday Health
Strokes occur in more than 795,000 in the United States each year, killing about 130,000. Survivors have an increased risk for long-term disability and face challenges completing daily activities.
Rehabilitation is a crucial component of care following a stroke. At top stroke centers some form of rehabilitation begins virtually immediately after a patient is admitted to the hospital — to get them on the right path to the best possible outcomes.
However, there are several things patients can do to ensure they are maximizing their recovery starting the second they suspect a stroke.
Stroke Assessment using the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT Kit)
NeuroRehab Team
Friday, June 3rd, 2016
Evaluating the impact of stroke rehabilitation requires the use of reliable, valid, and objective outcome measures. Despite consensus among nationally published guidelines recommending the use of valid and reliable assessment tools, the scientific community lacks direction regarding what outcome measures should be selected for particular evaluative needs. One measure that appears to have general acceptance and embraced by many neurorehabilitation specialists is the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT).
Stroke Arm Treatment: Using Mobile Arm Supports For Function and Exercise.
NeuroRehab Team
Tuesday, May 24th, 2016
Arm and HandMobile Arm SupportsNeuroplasticity
Stroke is one of the main causes of disability throughout the world. Due to hemorrhagic or ischemic damage to brain, many clients will suffer from impaired strength leading to poor gross motor movements and motor planning. In order to perform every day tasks such as grooming, eating, typing on a computer, or writing, adequate proximal strength (shoulder/elbow) is required to allow for normal distal control (hand/wrist).
Improve Hand Function After Stroke
NeuroRehab Team
Tuesday, April 26th, 2016
Arm and HandHand Function SplintsStroke Statistics
It is not uncommon for individuals to experience decreased hand function and strength following a neurological injury such as stroke. Sadly, even after 6 months following stroke, over 60% of clients are still struggling to achieve full arm and hand recovery (Kwakkel et al., 2003). Moreover, the inability to actively open the hand for pre-grasp activities is a severe limitation for many stroke survivors. The impaired movements lead to decreased independence in leisure and self-care tasks (activities of daily living). Because this limited function is a difficult challenge, traditionally, clients were required to relearn new compensatory movement patterns and one-handed strategies so functional activities could be achieved.
Mirror Therapy Exercises for Improving Arm and Hand Function After Stroke
NeuroRehab Team
Thursday, April 21st, 2016
Arm and HandMental PracticeMirror TherapyNeuroplasticity
Mirror therapy, a treatment technique first described by V.S. Ramachandran for phantom limb pain following amputation, is a form of motor imagery in which a mirror is used to process visual feedback about motor performance of the unaffected body part as it performs various movements. It is primarily used to speed up and improve motor function after stroke and other neurological disorders.
Shoulder Subluxation Following Stroke and Other Neurological Injuries
NeuroRehab Team
Thursday, April 7th, 2016
Arm BikeElectrical StimulationshoulderStroke StatisticsSubluxation Slings
Stroke is a major cause of disability in the world. Significant impairment in the affected arm can be seen roughly between 30 and 70% of individuals suffering from stroke (Kwakkel et al., Lancet, 1999). One of the most common areas often affected by a neurological injury is the glenohumeral joint (i.e., shoulder). The shoulder complex is a very sophisticated and complicated joint in the body. It consists of 20 muscles, 3 bones, 3 joints, and 1 articulation. It has the greatest ROM of any joint in the body but at the expense of stability.
Stroke Rehab Exercise Equipment. Where do I Start?
NeuroRehab Team
Monday, March 28th, 2016
As if learning to adjust to a new life following a stroke or neurological injury is not difficult enough, finding a home exercise program and appropriate stroke/neuro therapy equipment can be equally daunting. Assuming a therapist is up-to-date with current stroke research and latest technology available (could be a big assumption), there is a good chance that he or she will recommend exercises and products that will be meaningful to the client.
Stroke Shoulder Pain and Stiffness
NeuroRehab Team
Tuesday, March 22nd, 2016
Arm and HandshoulderStroke StatisticsSubluxation Slings
Shoulder pain is a common complication after stroke. Up to 72% of stroke patients develop hemiplegic shoulder pain. It may occur in up to 80% of stroke patients who have little or no voluntary movement of the affected upper limb. Painful stroke shoulder can negatively affect rehab outcomes as adequate shoulder function is a prerequisite for hand function, ADL’s, and functional mobility.
Vision Recovery Following Stroke
NeuroRehab Team
Thursday, March 17th, 2016
NeuroplasticityVirtual RealityVisionVisual Aids
Approximately 30% of all stroke patients suffer from post-stroke visual impairment (Sand KM. Acta Neurol Scand Suppl. 2013). Following a stroke or other neurological injuries, various types of vision deficits can occur including the inability to recognize objects, color vision deficits and difficulty with perceiving various types of motion. Approximately 20% experience permanent visual deficits (Romano JG. J of Neurol Sci. 2008). According to the National Stroke Association, homonymous hemianopia, which is the loss of one half of the visual field in each eye, is the most common visual disorder.
Are You Safe To Drive Following a Stroke?
NeuroRehab Team
Monday, March 7th, 2016
Driving is often a major concern following a neurological injury. Movements, sensations, alertness, judgement, coordination, and vision can be adversely affected which may impair the ability to drive a car. Due to these impairments, there is cause for concern regarding increased risk of crashes post stroke and other neurological injuries (Perrier et al., 2010).
Arm and Hand Recovery Following Stroke and Other Neurological Injuries
NeuroRehab Team
Friday, February 26th, 2016
Arm and HandArm BikeBiofeedbackElectrical StimulationExercise AidsHand Function SplintsMirror TherapyMobile Arm SupportsNeuroplasticityRoboticsSubluxation SlingsVirtual Reality
The latest research shows that the brain is capable of rewiring and adapting after stroke. Therefore, arm and hand recovery is more possible than previously thought. However, in order to improve function in the upper limb, the client must be willing to incorporate the affected side purposefully, functionally, and repeatedly. In addition to functional training, other beneficial strategies include strength training, mental imagery, robotics, and gravity compensation.
Below are the key takeaway’s that highlight the current thinking from the scientific community.
