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.
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.
Henry Hoffman
Wednesday, September 22nd, 2021
Last modified on October 26th, 2022
Think you suffer from foot drop after a stroke or neurological injury? In this post, we will cover five easy tests to identify foot drop. Foot drop is a common symptom of many neurological and orthopedic issues affecting the lower leg. Most commonly, the peroneal nerve is the affected culprit, causing the lack of ability to lift the foot or toes off the ground. This could lead to a person dragging their foot as they walk, increase the risk of tripping or falling while walking, or cause the person to alter their steppage gait.
Henry Hoffman
Monday, August 16th, 2021
Last modified on September 28th, 2022
SaeboStepSaeboStim ProSaeboStim Spa
Foot drop, also known as drop foot, is the inability to raise the front part of the foot due to weakness or paralysis of the muscles that lift the foot (National Institute of Neurological Disorders). It can be a temporary or permanent situation, so address this as soon as you see any signs. Foot drop is not a disease but a symptom of an underlying muscular, neurological, or anatomical disorder. This blog will educate you on what foot drop is, common reasons that it occurs, and also possible treatment options.
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.
Henry Hoffman
Thursday, July 16th, 2020
Last modified on May 15th, 2023
Electrical StimulationSaeboStim MicroSaeboStim OneSaeboStim ProSpasticity
In simple terms, electrical stimulation is the sending of electrical impulses to generate a muscle contraction. This is usually done via surface electrodes stuck to the skin over the target area. The muscle contraction may be very small to help with pain or sensation, or it may be large enough to produce a visible movement at a joint.
Following a stroke or other neurological injury, you may be left with muscle weakness or complete loss of movement (sometimes called hemiplegia). You may also experience a sudden inability to perform everyday tasks, sensory loss, pain, or a combination of these symptoms.
Henry Hoffman
Tuesday, April 14th, 2020
Last modified on November 2nd, 2022
Evidence-Based TreatmentSaeboStim MicroSaeboStretchSpasticity
Are you interested in combining other evidence-based products with your SaeboStretch? If you have already purchased the SaeboStretch resting hand splint, or are thinking about purchasing it, this video will help explain why many of our Saebo Family members are boosting their hand recovery by combining the SaeboStretch and SaeboStim Micro, an electrical stimulation machine, to improve hand and arm recovery.
