Stroke Hand Recovery CEU Course Now Available

NeuroRehab Team
Friday, March 10th, 2023

Arm and Hand

Stroke Hand Simplified

Evidence-Based Strategies to Help Restore, Rewire and Recover

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Stroke Therapy Research. What works?

NeuroRehab Team
Friday, January 13th, 2023

Arm and Hand Electrical Stimulation Hand Function Splints Mental Practice Mirror Therapy Neuroplasticity Stroke Statistics

Every 2.1 seconds, someone in the world suffers a stroke. Stroke is the #1 cause of long-term disability worldwide. Globally, there are over 15 million stroke survivors. With respect to the United States, there are approximately 5.1 million stroke survivors alive today in the US. It is the third leading cause of death in USA and the numbers are expected to double by 2030.

Top Stroke Exercise for Arm Strength

NeuroRehab Team
Tuesday, December 15th, 2020

Arm and Hand Exercise Aids

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A stroke occurs when the blood vessels in your brain bleed due to a rupture. It can also happen when the blood supply to your brain is blocked. When blood supply is blocked, or blood vessels rupture, blood, and oxygen do not reach the brain tissues, and without oxygen, these cells and tissues become damaged and start dying within a short time.

Grip Device Helps Patients with Poor Grip Strength Improve Independence

NeuroRehab Team
Wednesday, December 2nd, 2020

Adaptive Equipment Arm and Hand Grip Aid

EazyHold is an innovative grip aid for children and adults who have limited grip abilities. The silicone universal cuffs adapt easily to hold eating utensils, grooming aids, crayons, sports, equip, musical instruments, and even toys! They gently hug the back of the hand and support the tool, relieving the need for grip and encouraging full arm movement. The one-piece soft silicone bands are easily washed, quick-drying, non-toxic, hypoallergenic, latex-free, and come in multiple sizes.

What You Need to Know About the Stroke Recovery Timeline

NeuroRehab Team
Wednesday, February 19th, 2020

Arm and Hand Contracture Splint Electrical Stimulation Hand Function Splints Mental Practice Mirror Therapy Neuroplasticity Stretching Subluxation Slings

You are eager to return to your normal life, so you are ready to learn more about the typical timeline for recovery after a stroke. Keep reading to get some answers to common questions:

Am I going to get better after my stroke?
How long is rehab after a stroke going to take?
What can I do to help my stroke recovery?

Effect of a task-oriented rehabilitation program on upper extremity recovery following motor stroke: The ICARE randomized clinical trial.

NeuroRehab Team
Friday, October 11th, 2019

Arm and Hand Neuroplasticity

Winstein CJ, Wolf SL, Dromerick AW, et al. JAMA 2016;315(6):571-581.

This clinical trial recruited 361 participants, approximately 45 days post-stroke with mild to moderate impairments, for upper extremity retraining in order to improve functional use of the impaired upper extremity. Participants received either a new problem solving approach, Accelerated Skill Acquisition Program (ASAP) for 30, 1 hour sessions, Dose Equivalent Usual Customary Care (DEUCC), or Usual and Customary Care which varied from 0-46 hours. Findings demonstrated that all three groups improved in function (Wolf Motor Function Test) and quality of life (Stroke Impact Scale).

Intensive Arm Exercises After Stroke Improves Strength and Function

NeuroRehab Team
Wednesday, January 17th, 2018

Arm and Hand Electrical Stimulation Neuroplasticity Occupational Therapy Robotics

Intensive therapy can help people who have suffered a stroke recover motor function—even if the treatment begins a year or more after the stroke occurred. After a stroke, the brain and body can start recovering immediately and can show improvement up to six months afterward.

Stroke Hand Treatment Using Biofeedback Electrical Stimulation

NeuroRehab Team
Monday, September 4th, 2017

Arm and Hand Biofeedback Electrical Stimulation Hand Function Splints

Activities of Daily Living (ADL) are impacted continuously for may stroke survivors that suffer from limited arm and hand function and movement. Research indicates that Biofeedback and Electrical Stimulation can result in improved mobility and functional use. Biofeedback combined with electrical stimulation (NMES or FES) can be an effective tool in reducing the symptoms of stroke, such as increasing strength and function.

How to Improve Hand Function Following a Stroke

NeuroRehab Team
Thursday, June 1st, 2017

Arm and Hand CIMT Hand Function Splints

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It is not uncommon for individuals to experience decreased hand function and strength following a neurological injury such as stroke. Sadly, even after 6 months following stroke, over 60% of clients are still struggling to achieve full arm and hand recovery (Kwakkel et al., 2003). Moreover, the inability to actively open the hand for pre-grasp activities is a severe limitation for many stroke survivors. The impaired movements lead to decreased independence in leisure and self-care tasks (activities of daily living). Because this limited function is a difficult challenge, traditionally, clients were required to relearn new compensatory movement patterns and one-handed strategies so functional activities could be achieved.

Neuro Rehab Products. What’s right for me?

NeuroRehab Team
Thursday, April 27th, 2017

Arm and Hand Balance Cognition Dysphagia Foot Drop Brace Leg Neuroplasticity Subluxation Slings Vision

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Listed below are various clinical product categories that you may have learned while in therapy. Feel free to click on any category to see a list of products that may be appropriate for your needs.

Stroke/Neuro Products That Improve Strength and Function

NeuroRehab Team
Monday, April 3rd, 2017

Arm and Hand Cognition Communication Foot Drop Brace Leg Mobility Neuroplasticity Vision

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It is true that recovering from a stroke will be an uphill battle for many, however, it is also accurate that the latest research findings regarding neuro recovery are more promising than ever before. How serious are you with embracing evidence into your practice? As a clinician, are you stuck using numerous theoretical-based treatment concepts that have not scientifically been proven to be effective?

Listed below are some of the common interventions supported by research that have shown positive results. How many of the below techniques are in your current therapy toolbox? If just a few, then why?

Stroke Recovery Using Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT)

NeuroRehab Team
Monday, January 23rd, 2017

Arm and Hand CIMT Neuroplasticity

What is it?

Constraint-induced movement therapy (CI, CIT, or CIMT) is a form of rehabilitation therapy that improves upper extremity function in stroke and other neurological injuries by increasing the use of their affected upper limb. The focus of CIMT is to combine restraint of the unaffected limb and intensive use of the affected limb. Types of restraints include a sling, a splint, a sling combined with a resting hand splint, a half glove, and a mitt. Determination of the type of restraint used for therapy depends on the required level of safety vs. intensity of therapy.

Top 5 Apps for Hand Recovery Following Stroke

NeuroRehab Team
Wednesday, December 21st, 2016

Apps Arm and Hand Exercise Aids

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Stroke Therapy Products That Help With Recovery

NeuroRehab Team
Friday, November 25th, 2016

Arm and Hand Cognition Leg Vision

SaeboStep

Listed below are various clinical product categories that you may have learned while in therapy. Feel free to click on any category to see a list of products that may be appropriate for your needs.

Measuring Arm and Hand Function using the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT)

NeuroRehab Team
Wednesday, November 23rd, 2016

Arm and Hand

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Evaluating the impact of stroke rehabilitation requires the use of reliable, valid, and objective outcome measures. Despite consensus among nationally published guidelines recommending the use of valid and reliable assessment tools, the scientific community lacks direction regarding what outcome measures should be selected for particular evaluative needs. One measure that appears to have general acceptance and embraced by many neurorehabilitation specialists is the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT).

New Stroke App Recommends Evidence-Based Treatment For Arm and Hand Impairment

NeuroRehab Team
Friday, October 21st, 2016

Apps Arm and Hand Neuroplasticity

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Wearable Stroke Technology Puts Patient Back in Control

NeuroRehab Team
Tuesday, October 11th, 2016

Arm and Hand Electrical Stimulation

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According to new research published in the American Heart Association journal Stroke, researchers at the MetroHealth System, Case Western Reserve University, and the Cleveland Functional Electrical Stimulation Center have developed a glove that allows patients be in control of the stimulation to their weak hand.

Top Stroke Treatment and Technology To Improve Recovery and Function.

NeuroRehab Team
Wednesday, September 7th, 2016

Arm and Hand Communication Leg Neuroplasticity Vision

Following an extensive search of 100’s of stroke rehabilitation products and programs, we have summarized the best available products currently on the market for stroke recovery. The products are organized into relevant categories list below. Feel free to click on any category to see a list of products that may be appropriate for your needs.

Upper Extremity Stroke Rehab CEU’s.

NeuroRehab Team
Monday, August 29th, 2016

Arm and Hand CEU's

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Stroke Recovery By The Numbers

Arm and hand recovery continues to be a major problem following neurological injury. According to scientific data, fifty-percent of stroke survivors are likely to regain some functional use of the upper limb (Broeks JG et al. Disabl and Rehabil, 1999).

Find Arm and Hand NeuroRehab Courses

Forty-one percent of all patients had limited hand use at 3 months and 45% at 18 months after stroke (Welmer AK et al. J Rehabil Med, 2008). At 6 months post stroke, some dexterity was found in 38% and complete functional recovery was seen in 11.6% of patients (Kwakkel G et al. Stroke, 2003).

The latest research shows that the brain is capable of rewiring and adapting after stroke. To improve function in the upper limb, the client must be willing to incorporate the affected side purposefully, functionally, and repeatedly. In addition to functional training, other evidence-based strategies include strength training, mental imagery, robotics, and gravity compensation.

The American Occupational Therapy Association's (AOTA's) Approved Provider Program (APP) assists occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) and state licensing boards to ensure professional development activities reflect evidence-informed, occupation-centered practice. AOTA Approved Providers demonstrate they have the systems, policies, procedures and educational practices in place to adhere to the APP Guidelines and Criteria.

The above courses are evidence-based courses that review the latest information when it comes to stroke recovery. To search for stroke rehab exercise tools, visit here get started.

New Online Stroke/Neuro CEU Courses Now Available.

NeuroRehab Team
Wednesday, August 24th, 2016

Arm and Hand CEU's Cognition Communication Dysphagia Leg Vision

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Now more than ever, occupational, physical and speech therapists are relying on evidence-based treatment to provide maximum outcomes for clients suffering from stroke and other neurological injuries. Get up-to-date with the latest advances in stroke/neuro treatment by enhancing your skills through continuing education courses.

Listed below are links to online training categorized into key groups. Feel free to click on the link to learn more about available courses.

Tips for Hand and Arm Exercises after a Stroke.

NeuroRehab Team
Monday, July 11th, 2016

Arm and Hand Neuroplasticity

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Amit Kumar, Occupational Therapist, LS Life Skills Therapy Services Inc., Surrey, BC

Every stroke survivor’s impairment is unique. By doing regular functional activities and exercises, you can increase your quality of movement and independence in all stages following stroke. Activity may be too easy or too hard depending on the extent of impairment and function. Your occupational therapist can help you develop a daily activity and exercise program appropriate for you. Activities and exercises to improve your hand function should be simple and done at home at any time.

What is neuroplasticity?

Stroke Treatment and Recovery. Are You Serious?

NeuroRehab Team
Friday, June 24th, 2016

Arm and Hand Foot Drop Brace Leg Vision

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Hand Mobility Exercises and Stretches Following a Stroke

NeuroRehab Team
Thursday, June 16th, 2016

Arm and Hand Contracture Splint Electrical Stimulation Exercise Aids Hand Function Splints Neuroplasticity

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The latest research shows that the brain is capable of reorganizing after a stroke. Therefore, arm and hand recovery is more possible than previously thought. However, in order to improve function in the upper extremity, the client must be willing to incorporate the affected side purposefully, functionally, and repeatedly.

Listed below are 2 good videos that review simple ways to stretch and exercise the affected hand and fingers.

Stroke Assessment using the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT Kit)

NeuroRehab Team
Friday, June 3rd, 2016

Arm and Hand Evaluation Tools

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Stroke Exercise Videos for the Arm and Leg

NeuroRehab Team
Monday, May 30th, 2016

Arm and Hand Balance Exercise Aids Leg Neuroplasticity

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Recovering from a stroke can be quite challenging from both a psychological and physical perspective. In addition to completely experiencing a life-changing event, staying motivated with a daily intensive home exercise program can be a struggle. Once a client is discharged from the hospital, it will be important to maintain or improve their recovery by beginning an aggressive home exercise program immediately.

Stroke Arm Treatment: Using Mobile Arm Supports For Function and Exercise.

NeuroRehab Team
Tuesday, May 24th, 2016

Arm and Hand Mobile Arm Supports Neuroplasticity

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Stroke is one of the main causes of disability throughout the world. Due to hemorrhagic or ischemic damage to brain, many clients will suffer from impaired strength leading to poor gross motor movements and motor planning. In order to perform every day tasks such as grooming, eating, typing on a computer, or writing, adequate proximal strength (shoulder/elbow) is required to allow for normal distal control (hand/wrist).

Improve Hand Function After Stroke

NeuroRehab Team
Tuesday, April 26th, 2016

Arm and Hand Hand Function Splints Stroke Statistics

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Mirror Therapy Exercises for Improving Arm and Hand Function After Stroke

NeuroRehab Team
Thursday, April 21st, 2016

Arm and Hand Mental Practice Mirror Therapy Neuroplasticity

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Mirror therapy, a treatment technique first described by V.S. Ramachandran for phantom limb pain following amputation, is a form of motor imagery in which a mirror is used to process visual feedback about motor performance of the unaffected body part as it performs various movements. It is primarily used to speed up and improve motor function after stroke and other neurological disorders.

Stroke Shoulder Pain and Stiffness

NeuroRehab Team
Tuesday, March 22nd, 2016

Arm and Hand shoulder Stroke Statistics Subluxation Slings

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Shoulder pain is a common complication after stroke. Up to 72% of stroke patients develop hemiplegic shoulder pain. It may occur in up to 80% of stroke patients who have little or no voluntary movement of the affected upper limb. Painful stroke shoulder can negatively affect rehab outcomes as adequate shoulder function is a prerequisite for hand function, ADL’s, and functional mobility.

Arm and Hand Recovery Following Stroke and Other Neurological Injuries

NeuroRehab Team
Friday, February 26th, 2016

Arm and Hand Arm Bike Biofeedback Electrical Stimulation Exercise Aids Hand Function Splints Mirror Therapy Mobile Arm Supports Neuroplasticity Robotics Subluxation Slings Virtual Reality

The latest research shows that the brain is capable of rewiring and adapting after stroke. Therefore, arm and hand recovery is more possible than previously thought. However, in order to improve function in the upper limb, the client must be willing to incorporate the affected side purposefully, functionally, and repeatedly. In addition to functional training, other beneficial strategies include strength training, mental imagery, robotics, and gravity compensation.

Below are the key takeaway’s that highlight the current thinking from the scientific community.