When a stroke survivor goes to therapy, typically they have residual post stroke arm and leg weakness on one side of the body. At times, the affected leg may appear to respond to therapy much quicker than the arm. Why is that?

“I’m often asked during Out-Patient Stroke-Recovery Therapy, why the leg appears to be recovering faster than the arm; a concern that occurs out of frustration and rightfully so. After all, it takes both strong legs and arms
to fully return to independent function of daily activities.”

MOTIVATION

Most people are highly motivated to walk, which no matter how you slice it requires the use of two legs. Even a person with an extremely weak leg, due to a stroke, will pull out all the stops to begin walking again. In addition to motivation, there are several pieces of equipment that can help a person walk; including a walker, cane, and orthotic devices (such as an ankle-foot orthoses).

The motivation to get out of the bed or a wheelchair is high and encourages a fighting spirit, which is key to successful post-stroke rehabilitation.

ALTERNATIVES

As human beings, we are programed to find the path of least resistance, while also being highly resourceful. You know the popular mantra, “work smarter, not harder.” With that said, when one arm isn’t able to function properly, a simple solution is to use the other arm. Using the available alternative may seem like the obvious approach, but it’s the dominant limbs that are most often affected post-stroke; making what feels like a simple solution a hard and frustrating experience. If you’ve ever tried using your non-dominant hand to write, you understand how quickly awkwardness and frustration can set in.

In addition to forcing your functional limb into performing differently, using your “non-affected” arm leads to changes in the brain. We call this change, “learned non-use.” Those recovering post-stroke learns how not to use the affected arm as a way to reduce pain and discomfort.

Initially, this allows post-stroke patient to perform activities with some semblance of independence. However, not using the affected arm over time, can cause long-term pain, tight muscles, and loss of the ability to use both hands for tasks (carrying in groceries, holding a tray, holding book). It can also lead to greater frustration, emotional outbursts, isolation, and depression.

FRUSTRATION

When you have a stroke and one half of your body is affected, you may experience disbelief. Compound that inability to accept and believe what has occurred with the fear and frustration that comes with discovering the new reality of having limited abilities and use of required arms and legs.

After a stroke, arms and legs may feel mild or extreme weakness, pain, muscle floppiness or tightness, which often leads to the perfect combination of anger and frustration. In therapy, we ask people to perform tasks to address these deficits and rebuild strength, which can be extremely difficult, at least initially.

“While the post-stroke journey to recovery is long and hard, I’ve witnessed the spirit of stroke survivors, which is nothing short of amazing. The tasks that are initially challenging become easier over time,
with precision and speed improving after each therapy session.”

About Post-Stroke Recovery Therapy

The good news is that with time and intense stroke recovery therapy, a person who is a candidate for post-stroke therapy often has enough arm recovery to decrease the risk for pain, improve function, and continue living with the greatest amount of independence possible!

At Trio Rehabilitation, Jennica Colvin, Occupational Therapy & Owner and Suzanne McCrum, Physical Therapist, are Stroke Certified Rehabilitation Specialists. This designation was earned through the American Stroke Association.

Should you have questions about your stroke rehabilitation journey, contact Trio today!

Jennica Colvin, Owner & Physical Therapist
Trio Rehabilitation & Wellness Solutions
Boerne, Texas