Henry Hoffman
Friday, June 24th, 2022
Last modified on May 15th, 2023
Robot-assisted therapy has become increasingly popular over the last two decades.
In fact, it is so well-known that out of the 1,300 RCT’s (Randomized Controlled Clinical Trials) in UE stroke recovery, robotic research leads the pack with 112 RCT’s!
There is no doubt robotic therapy, in some form or fashion, is here to stay. However is it a must-have or a nice-to-have intervention?
Spoiler Alert: looking at the latest research, the jury is still out.
Henry Hoffman
Wednesday, May 11th, 2022
Last modified on May 15th, 2023
NeuroplasticityStroke Rehabilitation ExercisesTherapist Advice
The damage inflicted by a stroke is unique to every patient, and so is the recovery process. It is not a one-size-fits-all proposition. The brain consists of 100 billion neurons and 200 trillion synapses. It’s nearly impossible to grasp the complexity and power of this amazing organ!
During a stroke, 32,000 neurons die every second, totaling around 1.2 billion for the entire event. That’s a lot, but consider the total neurons in the brain, it’s around one percent. That means 99 percent of the brain is still intact!
A variety of exercises and movements can be used to provide cues to the brain and achieve neuroplasicity. Thanks to pioneers like Dr. Merzenich, who conducted landmark studies in the 1980’s that confirmed the adult brain is not hard-wired, practitioners have an opportunity to “rewire the brain”.
Henry Hoffman
Thursday, April 28th, 2022
Electrical StimulationSaeboStim OneSaeboStim ProShoulder Pain
Shoulder subluxation, defined as a partial or incomplete dislocation that usually stems from changes in the mechanical integrity of the joint (muscles, tendons, ligaments) is a common issue with hemiplegic stroke survivors. There are several protocols for treating subluxation, such as electrical stimulation, but it’s often done improperly due to misconceptions about what’s considered “standard practice.”
Studies suggest that the supraspinatus and posterior deltoid muscles are the primary muscles to target when using electrical stimulation. Contrary to popular belief, this may not be the case. This blog aims to revisit what we already know about subluxation and proximal migration and challenge traditional beliefs many of us have embraced throughout our careers.
Let’s dive into when to use electrical stimulation and what the optimal muscles are for targeting.
Thursday, April 21st, 2022
Last modified on April 28th, 2022
For this year’s Occupational Therapy Month, we couldn’t help but interview one of our very own Saebo therapists, Shelley Waller OTR/L. Waller has worked in neuro rehab for the past 25 years and has been advocate of Saebo since the very beginning. Now, she works with us to teach other clinicians about Saebo devices.
We caught up with Waller to learn about her story, to get her advice for transitioning patients into a home setting, and to talk about Saebo and patients’ continuum of care.
Friday, April 15th, 2022
Last year for OT Month, we chatted with Gina Kim, MOT, OTR/L, CBIS, to learn about her OT career and journey. Kim graduated Cum Laude from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in 2015 with a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy and is currently a board member for the Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association. Since we last spoke, Kim has started a new position with Johns Hopkins’ Sheikh Khalifa Stroke Institute as a Neuro Occupational Therapist Clinical Specialist.
We caught up with Kim to talk about how her previous experiences shaped her current role as an occupational therapist at Johns Hopkins Hospital (see part one of her story here).
Thursday, April 7th, 2022
April is OT Month. To celebrate, we met with some of the most influential therapists in the field such as Alina Tupchyk, OTR/L. Tupchyk graduated with a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Tufts University in 2011, and currently works at Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital in Santa Barbara, CA. Tupchyk sat down with us to shed light on her Ukrainian roots, her inspiration to become an OT, and her mission to serve those who are underprivileged.
Henry Hoffman
Tuesday, March 29th, 2022
Last modified on May 15th, 2023
Hand and ArmLife After StrokeSaeboGloveStroke Rehabilitation Exercisesstroke tips
Strokes can be one of the leading causes of serious long-term disability. A stroke can lead to a reduction in mobility in more than half of stroke survivors from the age of 65 and older. Loss in hand function, strength, and dexterity can result from a stroke. These conditions and impairments are determined by the location and severity of the stroke. Today, there are many ways to regain hand function after a stroke or neurological injury.
Henry Hoffman
Tuesday, October 12th, 2021
Last modified on May 15th, 2023
Foot DropSaeboStepSaeboStim OneSaeboStim Pro
Want a quick fix to your foot drop problem? This blog will share two techniques for helping lift your foot without using an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO). These techniques are temporary and not meant as a long-term solution but are effective if done correctly. Please consult your physician or medical professional. They might have a better solution for you, like the SaeboStep.
Monday, April 12th, 2021
Last modified on August 16th, 2021
April is Occupational Therapy Month. We sat down with Gina Kim to learn more about her OT career and journey. Gina Kim, MOT, OTR/L, CBIS, graduated Cum Laude from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in 2015 with a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy. Kim is an Advisory Board Member for the Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association and will start her new position as Neuro Occupational Therapist Clinical Specialist Johns Hopkins’ Sheikh Khalifa Stroke Institute in June 2021.
Henry Hoffman
Thursday, August 20th, 2020
Last modified on September 6th, 2022
Electrical StimulationFoot DropSaeboStepSaeboStim MicroSaeboStim OneSaeboStim Pro
Foot drop, also known as dropped foot or drop foot, is the inability to raise the front part of the foot up toward the shin. This happens due to weakness or paralysis of the muscles that lift the foot (National Institute of Neurological Disorders). Patients who suffer from foot drop often scuff their toes along the ground; they may also bend their knees to lift their foot higher than usual or swing their leg out to the side to avoid hitting their toes on the ground. Electrical stimulation has been proven to help patients manage symptoms associated with foot drop.
