What is a synergy? In the early stages of stroke recovery, when the signals between your brain and your affected arm or leg muscles are not intact, the spinal cord (and lower brain centers) are in control of any motion that your limb might have.  This motion is being controlled almost reflexively, without the involvement […]

Is Your Stroke Recovery Slowing Down? Why does progress seem to plateau after a few months? By now I’m sure you know that the loss of strength and function after a stroke primarily results from the death of nerve cells.  But there are also many nerve cells around that area of the stroke that were […]

Stimulate stroke recovery through exercise:  by increasing Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor BDNF , of Brain Derive Neurotrophic Factor, is a neurotrophic factor (or protein) in the brain that is instrumental in the growth of new neurons and new neural synapses.  Moderate exercise has been shown to stimulate increased production of this chemical in the brain, […]

Timeline of Stroke Recovery As I’m sure you are well aware, the return of strength and function occurs the most quickly in the first couple of months after a stroke.  As i discussed in “How does Stroke Recovery Occur?” there is a reason that stroke recovery slows down at a certain point, as the brain’s […]

Sleep is IMPORTANT! William Shakespeare, who always seemed to find the most eloquent way to express simple truths, once made this comment on the importance of sleep to the function of the human brain: “Sleep….the bath and balm of hurt minds” I recently attended a conference called “The Ever-Changing Brain,” and learned a few things […]

Stroke Rehab Facilities and Settings Perhaps you’ve already figured out where you are, and where you’re going in this healthcare circus.  But if not, here are a few basic definitions: Acute-Care Hospital After a stroke, a patient is first admitted to the hospital (most likely through the emergency department).  This is called an acute-care facility.  […]

Driving After a Stroke Driving is a major source and symbol of independence, and returning to driving is a goal of many stroke survivors.  However, there are several factors to consider about your safety, and the safety of other drivers, before you get behind the wheel again. lack of ankle/foot strength and control for the […]

Aquatic Therapy in Stroke Rehab Many stroke survivors will perform aquatic therapy (aka pool therapy) at some point in their rehab process.  The bouyancy of the water often allows a person to stand, walk, and perform other rehab and general conditioning exercises that they wouldn’t be able to perform on land.  It seems obvious that […]

Mental Practice in Stroke Recovery Other names for mental practice: visual imagery mental imagery guided visualization mental movement therapy I know what you’re thinking: “Are you telling me to IMAGINE moving, and I will regain the ability to move?” YES…that’s EXACTLY what I’m telling you. Research has shown that simply THINKING about moving your affected […]

Neuropla…..WHAT?! Neuroplasticity.  Let’s break the word down into it’s root components.  Neuro refers to nerves or nerve cells….the building blocks of the brain.  And plasticity (from the Latin, plasticus, which means molding) refers to the ability of a substance to be molded or formed. This well-proven characteristic of the brain, it’s neuroplasticity, is the basis of ALL stroke rehab, after the […]