Barb's Walking Dot Exercise
 

Physical Therapy

The image to the right is Barb working on her limp by "Walking the Spots" on her tile floor at home. With Barb being a PT, rehab is an area that she obviously has a lot of experience. Further, it was easy for her to understand the need and value of the PT process. Barb worked initially with the therapist in “Acute Care Unit” at the hospital and then other therapists at In-Patient Rehab. For a year she also had worked on an out-patient basis and at home.

Most neurology rehab units define physical therapy as needs on your lower body. Standing, walking without assistance and even balance that may be difficult if your stroke was significant, as it was with Barb.

The majority of focus with physical therapy was to initially get her standing, walking with a walker and then transitioning to a cane. The cane assistance seemed to work the best because of her weak left arm and hand. Her arm could not provide support to manage a walker effectively.

It was clear from the onset that Barb would need an AFO (Ankle Foot Orthosis) that provided strength to her right ankle, calf and foot (see bracing section). This support really helped Barb get back on her feet. Therefore, she is frequently tweaking the fit and functionality of this equipment.

Prepare yourself for doing a lot of "range in motion" as well as strengthening your weak side. Your doctors and therapists should be able to provide exercises in hard copy or PDF format that meet your needs. These may assist you with your daily home rehab and exercise.

Rehab exercises will be prescribed in line with your acute and long-term needs. It is important to utilize exercise equipment that you are comfortable with and addresses your individual situation. For example, Barb has utilized a customized exercise bike. This has provided wonderful results because of its synchronous capabilities (meaning that both sides of the body are working similarly). Please see an illustration of this equipment on the "Rehabilitation" page.

Pusher Syndrome

Many individuals find it extremely difficult to find their center of balance initially because one side of the brain has had significant stroke trauma. This you should be able to overcome working with your therapist with various exercises. It takes time, yet most are able to overcome this challenge fairly quickly.