Stroke Recovery Exercises

Exercise plays a pivotal role in the recovery from stroke. Increasing the use of the extremities strengthens weakened muscles, increases endurance, reduces risk of contractures, and helps regain function of the affected body part. It is important to remember to stretch the muscles before exercise to warm them up and prevent injury.

Range of Motion (ROM):

Exercise must begin slowly and usually starts with bed exercises, such as arm and leg lift exercises. It is important to avoid fatigue by not forcing the person to go beyond their limits. As activity increases, so will endurance.

Another exercise involves ankle and foot rotations, moving the foot left and right then rotating the foot full circle. This can be done while the patient is sitting in a comfortable chair, or lying in bed while doing leg lifts.

Using the affected side as much as possible while letting your good side take it easy helps to increase muscle tone and strength on the side that was weakened. For example, use the weakened side to push buttons on the phone while making a call. Try wringing a hand towel, squeezing a soft rubber ball, even petting your pet is useful in increasing muscle coordination.

Using the good hand to massage the weak one will help to improve blood flow to the affect part. Also stretching the hand by clenching the fist then releasing and stretching it repeatedly is another way to regain use of a weakened hand.

Walking is a great aerobic exercise increases motor function , as well as lowering high glucose levels. Walking improves health in a myriad of ways by:

• Lowering high blood pressure


• Reducing blood glucose levels


• Burning calories and losing weight


• Reducing risk of a second stroke, as well as lowering risks for other chronic diseases.

Other exercises include the use of treadmills fitted with hand rails and climbing stairs.

Pool Therapy:

This therapy involves exercising in water. The buoyancy aids in supporting the patient's weight, which prevents undue stress on the joints. It also reduces the pain that may be experienced during physical therapy. Not all patients should participate in aquatic therapy, especially those with heart disease, fever, or problems with incontinence.

Balance Exercises such as standing on one leg helps to prevent falls and improve ability to walk.

Endurance:

Physical activity that increases heart rate can bring an improvement in the length of time a person is able to exercise. This will also have an affect on the cardiovascular system and improve overall health.

Retrain the Brain:

Therapy for stroke victims isn't all about pain, but can be fun too. Memory games can help to sharpen cognitive skills and help to reinforce brain health and functionality. Memory loss is one of the complications of stroke, exercising the brain as well as the body is an integral part of stroke recovery.

by Barb Hicks, RN/LMT