My view of cloudy
weather from second-floor
I started today’s therapy session in a prone position with my left shoulder encased in a heating pad wrapped in towels. Recent cooler temperatures have increased the stroke-induced tone that tightens my shoulder to a painful degree.
To combat that
tightness a 15-minute appointment with the heating pad has preceded my working with
occupational therapist Amy to improve the strength and control of my left arm
muscles. Today I pulled out my camera during my date with the heating pad and
shot what I could see.
The challenge was my
position on a mat in a far corner at the back of the gym, the need to avoid
having other patients in my snaps and unsteadiness. To my right were windows
with a view of the sky. To my left Amy was working with another patient.
For me and for her
other patients Amy devises creative exercises to fit the specific deficiences
her patients experience.
If it helps a
patient, Amy doesn’t hesitate to take to the floor.
Amy works with
another patient.
My photo session
wasn’t stellar. But my therapy session with Amy was more positive. The workout
she gave my left shoulder and arm also gave the right side of my brain a
vigorous retraining experience.
She held my arm up
and away with a red theraband. As I lay on my back, my job was to bring my arm
back to my side with my elbow straight. I could do it if I could look at my
arm. But that was a no no. Amy doesn’t want me to develop the habit of looking
down in order to move my arm. She rounded up a bell, positioned it where my
hand should wind up. Then she talked me through the movement.
As I had a few
successes ringing the bell I could tell my control was improving with fewer
verbal cues. I still have little sensory input other than sight and sound about
what is happening on my left side. I hope that, as with earlier movements I
have relearned, I will begin to recognize other cues about where my arm is and
what it is doing as I become more successful in accomplishing specific
movements.
From where I lie,
that possibility looks pretty good to me.
This is fascinating. I am amazed at the different exercises that these therapists have to help relearn things that may have seemed second nature prior to a stroke or injury to the brain. I'm thankful you have such a great therapist.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I love that you were using your camera to get a new perspective of things. You are making great progress.
You are getting there. It is amazing what those PT's can do to get results. Great post about your recovery!!! And, I am so glad to hear about all the positive results.
ReplyDeleteI love the way those physical therapists are all so young and flexible. I hope they enjoy their good health.
ReplyDeleteMeanwhile with the cold and rain settling in here, I think of warm sand and blue skies. Sigh!!
Dianne
I agree with the English Teacher, this is fascinating and also this is something MadSnapper would do while waiting. she sounds perfect and we know how much you have improved.
ReplyDeleteOccupational therapists and physical therapists are amazing people. I have such great respect for their skills, patience and patience. It sounds as if you have some really good folks in your court. It sounds as of you are benefiting well from it. Hurrah!
ReplyDeleteWhat a long and hard battle this has been for you, but you are winning! We share a common thread now, with both having struggles. It is cool to see your sweet therapist, and the tree decorating post is divine!!! What could be better?
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful exercises to repattern your brain.
ReplyDeleteI never thought about the visual cues we just take for granted.
I am so happy there is progress.
As you know...Slow and Steady wins the race.
Blessings to you my friend.
Sounds like you're doing well with your O.T. The fact you have some slight responses certainly gives therapy something on which to build a plan to increase your abilities.
ReplyDeleteI recall years ago recommending to her doctor O.T. for one of my S.T. patients. The doctor said, "Oh, I don't believe in it." Then, as an after thought she added, "Actually, I don't know what they do." So, I explained what they would do for this patient I thought. Later I checked the patient's chart and the doctor had ordered O.T. for my S.T. patient. I think most doctors understand more about what each of our therapies do. Typically, they're most familiar with P.T.
It's great to hear that you are continuing to make progress:)
ReplyDeleteI gained the utmost respect for physical and occupational therapists after watching my daddy go through rehab many years ago (following a 2 month stay in ICU).
I'm visiting from Patti's blog. It sounds like you're working hard and making progress. Just the idea of you taking photos makes me smile. Good Luck!
ReplyDelete