Stroke is one of the leading cause of disability in India. The initial 90 days period after stroke is known as golden period for recovery owing to the neuroplasticity window. The physiotherapy and stroke rehabilitation treatment should start within this time for best results. Recovering from stroke is a sow process and needs customized exercise plan as per the individual motor, sensory, balance or cognitive deficits. Most often it leads to hemiplegia of the one side of body along with speech difficulty. We are listing some simple exercises here to help you in Stroke recovery.
- Marching in sitting: Sit in a chair with back support, lift one knee at a time as if you are marching. Do 10-15 repetitions for each side. This will help in developing control in the leg muscles.
2. Arm raises: Sit in a chair or bed side and hold both hands together with fingers clasped. Slowly lift both arms up as much as you can. Repeat 10-15 times.
Ball squeezes: Use a smiley ball in hand and squeeze it to strengthen your hand muscles. Stroke recovery has different stages, in initial flaccid stage when there is low muscle tone, it will help in strengthening of wrist and finger flexors leading to functional improvement.
4. Leg slides and bridging: Lie down in the bed and try bending the affected leg slowly keeping heel on the bed. You can also add bridging to this exercise , once you bend the affected knee, bring the non affected knee to its level and lift the lower back and hips off the bed. It helps in strengthening of gluteal muscles and back extensors which are crucial for balance while walking.
Balance exercises: Stand with your feet shoulder width apart, take support if needed. Slowly start shifting weight on one leg without lifting the other leg. Allow body weight to Shift on one leg by moving hip over leg , hold it there for 5-10 seconds and repeat on the other side.
Stroke rehabilitation and recovery needs patience and constant re evaluation of exercises plan to adapt and challenge the recovering muscles for better outcome. Using advanced biofeedback apps to focus on the neuroplasticity of the patient in recovery phase along with utilizing techniques like mirror therapy, motor relearning therapy ,bobath approach can lead to optimal recovery of stroke patient. Consult us now for personalized and customized stroke rehab plans.
