Stroke Therapy Research. What works?
NeuroRehab Team
Friday, January 13th, 2023
Arm and HandElectrical StimulationHand Function SplintsMental PracticeMirror TherapyNeuroplasticityStroke Statistics
Every 2.1 seconds, someone in the world suffers a stroke. Stroke is the #1 cause of long-term disability worldwide. Globally, there are over 15 million stroke survivors. With respect to the United States, there are approximately 5.1 million stroke survivors alive today in the US. It is the third leading cause of death in USA and the numbers are expected to double by 2030.
Stroke Plateaus are Not Permanent
NeuroRehab Team
Friday, November 18th, 2022
Hand Function SplintsNeuroplasticity
There is no expiration date on neuroplasticity.
Just like athletes and musicians, many stroke survivors will have periodic and temporary plateaus or setbacks as they continue to improve. It is a back-and-forth process. Improve a little, then a plateau occurs. Modify the training and improve some more. Then, here comes another plateau. Modify again. You get the idea.
What You Need to Know About the Stroke Recovery Timeline
NeuroRehab Team
Wednesday, February 19th, 2020
Arm and HandContracture SplintElectrical StimulationHand Function SplintsMental PracticeMirror TherapyNeuroplasticityStretchingSubluxation Slings
You are eager to return to your normal life, so you are ready to learn more about the typical timeline for recovery after a stroke. Keep reading to get some answers to common questions:
- Am I going to get better after my stroke?
- How long is rehab after a stroke going to take?
- What can I do to help my stroke recovery?
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.
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.
Hand Mobility Exercises and Stretches Following a Stroke
NeuroRehab Team
Thursday, June 16th, 2016
Arm and HandContracture SplintElectrical StimulationExercise AidsHand Function SplintsNeuroplasticity
The latest research shows that the brain is capable of reorganizing after a stroke. Therefore, arm and hand recovery is more possible than previously thought. However, in order to improve function in the upper extremity, the client must be willing to incorporate the affected side purposefully, functionally, and repeatedly.
Listed below are 2 good videos that review simple ways to stretch and exercise the affected hand and fingers.
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.
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.
