StrokeSurvivorBlog

The aquatic therapy at the CP pool is going quite well, and Steve feels that if he can free swim, then his arm and leg will automatically kick in to move. His therapist felt the same way and she was greatly encouraged by his progress. The buoyancy of the water gives him more confidence that if he should [...]

Steve began water therapy at the Cerebral Palsy pool today. I was very impressed with the facility. A private dressing/shower room was provided so I could help him before and after therapy. All of his concerns were addressed…the temperature of the water was very warm, almost like bath water. The CP center provided wheelchairs designated to [...]

Harnessed up to a suspension walking system, Steve felt freedom in walking for the first time in more than 7 months. As the unit was pushed along by two therapists with Steve in the middle, he had no fear of falling if his left leg buckled. This concern has kept him from shifting his weight to [...]

Today in occupational therapy the Ness H200 was used on Steve to improve hand function. The Hand Rehabilitation System made by Bioness was attached to his left arm and programmed to send electrical impulses to the nerves in his fingers. With the push of a button, Steve was able to open his hand and grasp [...]

Steve’s rehabilitation includes hand therapy with a new Hand Rehabilitation System. The unit was fitted to his arm to electrically stimulate the nerves in his hand. With this device he was able to open his paralyzed hand and grasp some dice. Hopefully with repeated stimulation the brain will recreate new pathways to the nerves so [...]

Last Thursday was Steve’s final day of home health care, and he started outpatient stroke therapy at the hospital. We felt home health care had run it’s course and that he’s ready for more aggressive therapy. Yesterday was his first full day of outpatient therapy at St. Vincent’s Hospital. It will be necessary to transport him back and [...]

Getting speech therapy at home was a treat for Steve, especially since his therapist was the same one he had at the hospital after his stroke. Steve has dysarthria which is slow, slurred and distorted speech. He had some swallowing problems in the beginning (but that improved as time went on), but now he has [...]