Henry Hoffman
Sunday, May 5th, 2019
Last modified on May 25th, 2023
Surviving a stroke is a debilitating and frightening experience, and survivors are often affected for an extended period of time after suffering a stroke event. During their stroke recovery period, among other complications and conditions, many survivors can experience spasticity and contractures in the hand. Spasticity and contractures can cause a painful and, sometimes, permanently clenched hand. This post will describe the conditions of spasticity and contractures, answering many of the frequently asked questions on how to treat these conditions with the use of orthotics and splinting. So what is spasticity? Let’s take a look…
Henry Hoffman
Thursday, May 2nd, 2019
Last modified on September 6th, 2022
Spasticity is a common symptom or after-effect of a host of medical conditions including traumatic brain injuries, that affects millions of individuals around the globe. This neuromuscular condition is characterized by motor impairments and weakness, and managing it can be trying for both patients and their loved ones. Every instance of spasticity is unique, and effective rehabilitation will require a personalized approach utilizing the latest evidence-based techniques. Fortunately, there are several spasticity treatments patients can try to help overcome the symptoms associated with this condition. Patients can decrease spasticity related stiffness, improve fine motor skills, and reduce the frequency of severe muscle spasms with the right strategy and assistive devices, like the state-of-the-art spasticity orthotics offered by Saebo.
Henry Hoffman
Wednesday, May 1st, 2019
Last modified on May 25th, 2023
Foot drop affects millions of individuals around the globe, limiting their mobility and leading to a lower overall quality of life. Motor impairments like foot drop can be frustrating and, at times, exhausting, and those suffering from foot drop are at an increased risk of injury as a result of slips and falls. However, living with foot drop doesn’t have to be a burden, thanks to the many effective therapies now available to improve gait and increase stability. These treatments range from physical therapy exercises, to electrical stimulation for peroneal nerve foot drop, to the latest lightweight assistive foot drop devices, such as the SaeboStep. In this post, we will discuss foot drop causes, recovery, and treatment options. Let’s take a look…
Henry Hoffman
Wednesday, May 1st, 2019
Last modified on May 25th, 2023
For someone recovering from a stroke, the transition from a hospital or rehabilitation center to a residence can be difficult. While healthcare institutions are equipped to deal with people who have disabilities, most homes are not. Before a stroke survivor returns home, it is important that a physical or occupational therapist visit and make recommendations on adapting the residence to the stroke patient’s special needs. The goal of this evaluation is to ensure that daily living tasks can be performed easily and safely. Once the evaluation is complete, the therapist will meet with the patient, caregiver, family, and/or friends to discuss the home modifications required. While some of these modifications may be as simple as adding grab bars to a shower or installing a raised toilet seat, others may be more extensive, such as construction of a ramp, changes to flooring, or widening of doorways.
Henry Hoffman
Tuesday, April 30th, 2019
Last modified on May 25th, 2023
Stroke is the leading cause of disability today. Many stroke survivors are left with a condition known as aphasia, a language disorder for which melodic intonation therapy may be a suitable treatment. Aphasia is most often associated with strokes that occur in the left side of the brain, as this is where the areas that control speech and language are found.
Henry Hoffman
Monday, April 29th, 2019
Last modified on May 25th, 2023
The brain consists of two distinct halves, known as the right and left hemispheres. Each hemisphere is responsible for different tasks, including physically controlling the side of the body opposite it. When one hemisphere is damaged by a stroke, the brain may become unable to process or perceive what is occurring in and around the opposite side of the body. In severe cases, stroke patients may be unaware that their opposite side even exists and ignore it completely. This condition, known as hemineglect (also unilateral neglect, hemispatial neglect, or spatial neglect). Hemineglect is most prominent and lasts longer when a stroke damages the right side of the brain. However, damage may also occur on the left side of the brain, resulting in hemineglect on the right side of the body. As a matter of course, medical professionals test stroke patients to determine whether they are suffering from hemineglect.
Henry Hoffman
Friday, April 26th, 2019
Last modified on May 25th, 2023
While a stroke is effectively an attack of the brain, just as myocardial infarction is an attack of the heart, the brain does fight back against the damage caused by a stroke, and that’s what provides the best opportunity for stroke recovery. Generally, a stroke cuts off the flow of blood to the brain, thereby depriving brain cells of oxygen. If those cells go without oxygen long enough, they die, and brain function decreases. The recovery process relies on the ability of the brain to heal itself through neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity occurs when brain cells regenerate, re-establish, and rearrange neural connections in response to the damage inflicted by a stroke. In effect, the brain works around the dead cells and attempts to construct other neural pathways to compensate. Physical, occupational, and speech therapy are designed to spark neuroplasticity, encouraging the brain to correct mental and physical deficits. The brain also temporarily increases its natural neuroplasticity in response to traumatic damage, which is why it’s so important to begin the rehabilitation process shortly after a stroke occurs.
Henry Hoffman
Wednesday, April 24th, 2019
Last modified on September 26th, 2022
Foot drop (or “drop foot”) is a common disability, affecting millions worldwide. People suffering from foot drop struggle with limited mobility and have an increased risk of injury from slips and falls. Fortunately, the orthotics market offers a multitude of products engineered to address many different and complex mobility issues. There are many effective foot drop supports, ranging from larger ankle-foot orthosis braces (AFO brace) to versatile external strap-on support systems like the SaeboStep foot drop brace — a state-of-the-art orthotic designed to fit any shoe. This post will describe the condition of foot drop and answer many of the most frequently asked questions about foot drop, what is an AFO brace, and what to consider when shopping for an effective foot drop brace solution.
Henry Hoffman
Saturday, April 20th, 2019
Last modified on May 25th, 2023
Strokes are the leading cause of disability in the United States, and the extent and permanence of stroke-related disabilities depend on one thing — oxygen. Strokes cause damage by disrupting the flow of oxygen to the brain, leading to brain cell death. Depending on the part of the brain affected, the stroke patient may suffer functional disabilities. Rehabilitation strategies center around stimulating the brain so that it can repair or work around the damaged cells, creating new connections and neural pathways. However, what works for one stroke patient may not work for another. One alternative treatment that may be successful in improving physical and mental function after a stroke is hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). Even years after a stroke, HBOT has reversed or reduced resulting disabilities.
Henry Hoffman
Friday, April 19th, 2019
Last modified on May 25th, 2023
According to the American Stroke Association, strokes are the fifth most common cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States. While some individuals do recover completely from a stroke, almost two-thirds are left with lingering physical deficits. The goal of physical and occupational therapy is to a
