A stroke could make it hard for a person to move around like they used to. But with the right exercises, they can get stronger, move better, and be more independent. Doing exercises at home is helpful for you or your loved one’s recovery after a stroke, especially if you have fewer sessions with your physical and occupational therapists.
This post will show some exercises you could do at home to facilitate recovery after a stroke. No gym is required, no special equipment or machine, and at no extra cost to you. Here are some exercises for you:
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Joint Movement Exercises
Joint movement exercises help make the arms or legs that were affected by the stroke more flexible and able to move more. These exercises help make the arms and shoulders more mobile, reducing the risk of joint stiffness and reducing pain.
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This is important for getting dressed, brushing your hair, and feeding yourself. Furthermore, joint mobility exercises for the affected leg also help improve your ability to walk as your limbs get stronger.
To carry out these exercises, start by doing easy movements like touching the tip of your thumb with the other fingers, bending, and straightening your elbow, reaching for things, all with the affected arm, as well as bending the knee of the affected leg, and gradually make the movements bigger as your limbs get stronger.
Grip Strengthening Exercises
Grip-strengthening exercises can help build muscle, improve hand function, and improve coordination in the affected arm after a stroke. Grip strengthening exercises involve working on improving the strength and dexterity of the hand and fingers. This is typically done through repetitive motions, such as squeezing a ball.
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The goal is to help you regain as much strength and function as possible in your hand and arm, as this can help with everyday activities such as holding objects, writing, and self-care. As strength improves in your arm, the level of difficulty of the exercise can be gradually increased.
Stretching Exercises
Stretching helps make your muscles more flexible and less tight. Gentle stretches like stretching your arms can be done throughout the day to help keep them moving.
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An easy way to help you stretch the affected arm is using the stronger arm to stretch the affected arm. With the help of a stronger arm, you can achieve a range of movements on your fingers, wrist, and elbow joints.
Walking Exercises
One of the deficits in stroke survivors is the alteration of their walking patterns. Following a stroke, you may find it difficult to walk the way you do before the incident.
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This deficit reduces your ability to move around as you would want and puts you at risk of falling, which could result in you fracturing your bones or sustaining a head injury.
Therefore, retraining and improving your walk after a stroke can help with mobility and reduce fall risk. Simple exercises like trying to walk in a straight line, practicing heel-to-toe walking, stair climbing, etc., are some of the activities that can help improve your gait pattern.
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Note: It’s important to work with a physical therapist to develop a personalized exercise plan for you and to monitor your progress. A physical therapist can also help ensure that your exercises are done correctly and can adjust the plan as needed. It’s also important not to try to ‘overdo’ these exercises in an attempt to hasten your recovery. Take breaks when you need to. Some days may be harder than others, and it’s okay to take a break and rest. You can get better and be more independent after a stroke with practice and dedication.
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In conclusion, exercising at home after a stroke can be an effective way to improve strength, mobility, and independence. A combination of the exercises discussed above can help with recovery. It’s important to work with a physical therapist and occupational therapist to develop a personalized exercise plan for you for a better outcome.
With the right support, you can achieve your goals and live a good life after a stroke. And that’s why we are here, to support you in your recovery journey.
Reach out to us today, and we’ll be happy to help.
