Hi everyone!
As we know, every stroke is different, every person is different, and every recovery is different; so you will need to find what works for you. These are only ideas for you to ponder. Last week I sent an e-mail on the Bioness products.
I continue to be challenged with this issue 8 years post-stroke. Trust me, it is frustrating. I have spent the past almost decade exploring new therapies, devices and professionals to aid my stroke recovery. I have enjoyed the Bioness H-200 the most our of the Bioness offerings. However, just because all of their products didn’t work for me, it doesn’t mean it won’t help you!
I’d now like to share this wisdom from Dr. Elyse Newland on Stroke & Hand Recovery. Sign up for her newsletters here - they are SO helpful.
Stroke recovery can be challenging, especially when it comes to improving hand function. Hand function can take a long time to return for this reason. But with some creativity, we can make hand therapy more enjoyable. Here are a few ways to work on hand movement/strength and maybe have a little fun, too 😊:
Play games: Try playing games like Jenga, Connect Four, or card games to work on fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
Get crafty: Try arts and crafts like knitting, painting, or pottery to work on grip strength and dexterity.
Cook or bake: Cooking and baking are great ways to work on hand and finger strength. Try using utensils or appliances that require a good grip, like a can opener or a whisk.
Garden: Planting/tending to a garden or indoor plants can be a great way to work on hand function and coordination. Weekly watering and potting plants can be a great hand workout.
Music: Playing a musical instrument can be a fun way to work on hand function, coordination, and dexterity. If you don't know how to play an instrument, sing along to your favorite songs/albums, or practice keeping the beat.
"It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop." – Confucius, Chinese philosopher, and politician.
I've used this quote before because it's one of my favorites. As difficult as it can be be to recognize, progress isn't about speed but consistency and determination. The recovery journey can feel slow, but every small win counts. And those small wins add up over time.
Sometimes it may feel like you're not making any progress. Try to remember that recovery is a marathon, not a sprint.
Even when it feels slow, difficult, or that nothing is happening, know that your brain is making changes even if you can't see them. Consistency in your effort will bring you closer to your goals. Whether you feel like you're going at a snail's or cheetah's pace, keep going. You will see progress as a result of your effort in time ❤️
Take care,
Elyse
P.S. If you're looking for something to help you improve hand strength at home, my last video covered just that! All you'll need are either two stress balls or two washcloths for this 10-minute workout to improve hand and finger strength.
Another one I would like to share with you is the FitMe glove from Flint Rehab. You can check it out here.
Did you find these helpful? Do you have more to suggest? I’d love to hear from you, hit send me an email here or drop a comment below and let me know!
Sincerely,
Maureen