Wednesday, August 22, 2012

One Stroky’s Journey: Back in therapy


An exercise to encourage stroke-impaired parts to get back to work—Step 1

I was back in rehab therapy this morning after more than a month hiatus for vacation, summer visits and summer fun.

Today’s visit consisted of evaluation sessions that helped my fantastic therapists chart a course for my next six weeks of PT (physical therapy) and OT (occupational therapy).
Step 2

I was interested in finding out if I had regressed or improved. I felt like I had improved. Although activities and environments limited my regularly doing the assigned “homework” exercises, I counted overcoming challenges during our camping vacation and in our other summer activities as good therapy. And even better therapy was the pure joy of nature, time with family and friends, and adventures with Husband Walter.
Step 3

Both therapists said I had improved and that I was doing great. I am excited to begin the actual therapy next week. The photos are of an exercise Amy, my occupational therapist, gave me in June. The first time I worked on this in therapy, it was so hard. Straightening my left elbow and keeping it straight was difficult. I couldn’t keep my left foot from coming up off the floor when I tried to move my arms to the right in Step 4.
Step 4

It was also hard for me to keep my torso straight instead of leaning back and to keep my knees from moving in the direction of my hands in Steps 2 and 4. And once I tried it at home, I couldn’t remember if I was doing it right. Amy’s solution the next week was to use my camera and photograph me as I “got it right (almost)” thanks to her verbal cues.

The only trouble this exercise gives me now is bending my left elbow in Steps 1 and 3. And now I have more exercises to strengthen specific arm muscles to overcome that deficiency.

Such a happy morning!

4 comments:

  1. This is so interesting. My younger daughter is studying to be a physical therapist in Nevada. She will be a good one, as she took care of me post-surgery in May.

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  2. It's great to hear that you actually improved during your time off from therapy :) Of course, with your willing spirit and determination, it's not surprising. You are such an inspiration!

    Wishing you only the best as you pick back up where you left off!

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  3. happy therapy time. and i just tried the exercise and it is not easy to do at all. so glad you have improved

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  4. I swear you have the patience of Job. Good post. Happy to hear you are progressing. Keep up the good work.Blessings to you and yours. Dianne

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