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”.
Friday, March 8th, 2019
Last modified on December 29th, 2019
Mirror TherapyMotivationNeuroplasticitySaebo Mirror Box
Coy’s life before his stroke on December 2, 2018, was fun and fulfilling. He gathered regularly with friends and family, was a talented fast-talking auctioneer, traveled all over to tractor shows, and raised family of goats on a small farm. Like many other stroke survivors, Coy’s stroke caused his right dominant arm and hand to be almost entirely paralyzed. He also struggled to pay attention to his affected side—a very common yet disabling condition that can be a safety concern and interferes with regaining use of the weaker side.
Henry Hoffman
Friday, July 13th, 2018
Last modified on October 12th, 2022
Evidence-Based TreatmentHand and ArmMobilityNeuroplasticityRehabilitation NursingSaeboFlexSaeboGloveSaeboReachSpasticitystrengtheningTask-Oriented TrainingTherapist AdviceWeakness
A stroke can take a seemingly healthy and vibrant individual and change their life in an instant. Learning how to do basic daily tasks, such as self-feeding or getting dressed each day, can quickly feel like an overwhelming physical hurdle. Despite having full active movement in your affected hand, you may have decreased strength and dexterity in your hand due to your stroke. This may be making it difficult to grasp and release objects, making daily tasks seem like insurmountable obstacles. Luckily there are products that can aid in grasp and release activities such as the SaeboGlove. We will show you some helpful hand exercises for stroke recovery to help you reclaim your strength and dexterity that can be done on your own or with the help of a hand device such as the SaeboGlove.
Unfortunately, sometimes rehab does not bring back full control and use of your hands, making these daily tasks a tremendous challenge. While you begin your recovery it’s crucial that you incorporate hand exercises for stroke recovery into your daily life to bring back dexterity and use of your fingers.
Henry Hoffman
Thursday, July 12th, 2018
Last modified on August 30th, 2022
Evidence-Based TreatmentNeuroplasticitySaeboReJoyceSaeboVRStroke Rehabilitation ExercisesTask-Oriented Training
Stroke survivors will undoubtedly face a variety of hardships after a stroke event — physical impairments, emotional difficulties, mental disabilities — not to mention a heightened risk of a second attack. The road of rehabilitation can be a long one, but huge advances in both medical technology and therapeutic techniques have made it possible for survivors to enjoy incredible recoveries.
Henry Hoffman
Monday, June 11th, 2018
Last modified on August 31st, 2022
Caregiver AdviceEvidence-Based TreatmentHealthcareMobilityNeuroplasticityOccupational Therapist InfoPhysical Therapist InfoRehabilitation Nursing
As a patient recovers from a stroke, both they and their caregivers must understand that the process is slow and uncertain. This is because the severity of the stroke can vary, and doctors, nurses, and therapists can only estimate the response of each patient based on the location of the stroke. In general, those who have suffered severe strokes will recover more slowly and require a longer, more delayed period to do so.
Henry Hoffman
Saturday, June 9th, 2018
Last modified on October 7th, 2022
ContracturesEvidence-Based TreatmentFrozen ShoulderHand and ArmLegs and MobilityNeuroplasticityOccupational Therapist InfoPhysical Therapist InfoRehabilitation NursingSpasticitystrengtheningStroke StatisticsTherapist AdviceWeakness
Life after a stroke can be challenging. Many patients wonder if they will ever fully recover their muscle coordination, or how long or difficult the process of recovery may be. Fortunately, the field of occupational and physical therapy has come a long way in developing approaches that help patients regain controlled muscle movements after a stroke.
There are seven recognized stages of stroke recovery through which most patients progress. Also known as the Brunnstrom Approach, the seven stages framework views spastic and involuntary muscle movement as part of the process and uses them to aid in rehabilitation.
Henry Hoffman
Thursday, June 7th, 2018
Last modified on September 27th, 2022
Caregiver AdviceContracturesEvidence-Based TreatmentHand and ArmHealthcareNeuroplasticityOccupational Therapist InfoPhysical Therapist InfoSaeboFlexSaeboGloveSaeboStretchTask-Oriented TrainingTherapist Advice
Stroke is among the top three causes of death in the United States, but nothing comes close to stroke as the leading cause of long-term disability. After patients survive a stroke, their risk of having another stroke increases, along with their likelihood of suffering a serious disability as a result. However, medical and technological advances such as rehabilitation gloves and hand splints, have made it easier to help patients cope and recover. Occupational therapy is an effective way to restore mobility and reduce future risks for stroke survivors.
Therapy for stroke survivors often involves “re-training” or reprogramming the brain after neurological damage. As we learn more about the relationship between the brain, muscles, and connective tissue, one stimulating innovation is emerging as a top tool for recovery. Today, many patients are relying on a stroke rehabilitation gloves & dynamic splints to reverse damage, restore mobility, and reduce pain after a stroke.
But how, exactly, does wearing these orthoses treat symptoms of stroke survivors? Truth is, there are many benefits for patients who incorporate a rehabilitation glove or a hand splint into their recovery process.
Henry Hoffman
Monday, April 16th, 2018
Last modified on July 27th, 2022
Electrical StimulationEvidence-Based TreatmentMental ImageryMirror TherapyNeuroplasticitySaeboStim MicrostrengtheningWeakness
Every stroke is different, and every patient’s stroke recovery experience is, too. Just as your symptoms depend on the severity of the stroke and treatment you received, your ability to regain certain functions and work toward recovery will also depend on a variety of different physical factors. However, it helps to know a little more about what to expect in the days and weeks ahead.
You’ve learned about the different stages of stroke recovery, but in order to simplify this experience and improve recovery odds, it’s important to understand more about each stage. If a patient or loved one has recently experienced a stroke and lost motor control on one side of their body, they’re probably in Stage 1 of their recovery process.
But what exactly does “Stage 1” mean, and how can patients and their caregivers navigate this first chapter of the journey toward recovery? Let’s start by breaking down the nature of this first stage. After you understand the basics of your Stage 1 progress, start applying some of the most helpful recovery techniques to reach the second stage.
Henry Hoffman
Thursday, February 22nd, 2018
Last modified on September 9th, 2022
In all stages of growth and development, repetition is key to successful long-term learning and information retention. Repetition is especially beneficial for stroke survivors who seek to regain motor function, strength, and coordination. Consistent repetition that re-establishes communication between the damaged parts of the brain and the body is crucial in stroke rehabilitation.
Henry Hoffman
Tuesday, October 31st, 2017
Last modified on September 9th, 2022
CognitionNeuroplasticityStroke Awareness
Sleep disruption is very common after suffering a stroke, more than half of survivors have problems sleeping in the months following. Poor sleep can slow recovery, cause depression, and even lead to memory problems. Fortunately, there are many ways to alleviate these symptoms.
