The exercise I am showing you today addresses the affected arm, and (again) much of it. I try to use more of the elbow with this one than I do any other part of the arm though. That reinforces both my arm and my brain to remember what it used to feel like to bend my arm completely.
The reason I like this exercise is that it builds strength and mobility throughout my entire arm, but especially my elbow. It reminds me to bend my elbow whenever I need to and whenever I can. This exercise has even gotten me in the habit of going to bed with my right arm completely bent across the front side of my body - no longer straight down along the right side of my body! Also, since doing this exercise regularly, I have noticed my ability to perform tasks that I used to be able to do (and no longer could do immediately subsequent to my injury) has improved - tasks that require me to move my right arm more and more! As I mentioned previously, and something I will continue to stress throughout my posts, it is pivotal to perform as many of these exercises in front of a mirror/reflection as possible. This is one of those exercises that I cannot stress the importance of a mirror to be able to watch yourself as you do it. It is our job now to train the neurons from our brain to re-engage with our muscles. Watching your elbow bend and then watching your arm straighten is so important! It has already helped me so much - my ability to push and pull my right arm is so much stronger and better (according to Tom) since I’ve been doing this Roller exercise! Again, be sure to follow the instructions below carefully. Many post-stroke victims are not limited by actual strength, but by the loss of muscle memory provided by some of the brain’s most elementary functions. Think of these exercises as brain games just as much as strength/mobility activities and you will be on your way to independence in no-time! If you are just starting out - post-stroke - you will probably need someone to support your movement and help when necessary. As I have said before, even if you have reached the point of physical independence after your stroke, it is still nice to have someone supporting you emotionally and mentally through these exercises. INSTRUCTIONS 1. Today I am sitting comfortably in a chair at my kitchen table. I want to make sure that the chair and the table are both at adequate height so my affected arm will be stretched out so it can bend completely when it comes to me, and straightens all the way out when it pushes away from me (watch the video). 2. My arm has to be free of any brace or glove or paddle to use the roller. I place my arm (from my fingertips up to where my elbow bends) on the roller. Consider using the Therafin Ergo Arm Skate With Hand Piece (manufactured by the Therafin Corp. (item 30100). I secure my lower arm to the roller using Velcro (and medical gauge straps). Again, I make sure that I can move my “lower” arm (tethered in the roller) towards me (elbow completely bent) and away from me (arm completely straight). 3. When my “lower” arm comes towards me I hold and count to 25 (not each time, but every 4-5 times), and when my “lower” arm straightens out I count to 25 (also not each time, but every 4-5 times). Be sure to check out my Instagram at “poststrokepeg.” And also be sure to check out at this website under “Getting To Know Me,” my article on Consistency. God Bless You, Peg "It always seems impossible until it's done." -- Nelson Mandela
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January 2019
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