Experiencing a stroke or cerebral vascular accident, or CVA, is a very scary experience. Symptoms vary from mild weakness and possible intermittent numbness on one side of the body to full blown paralysis, or flaccidity, affecting the upper and lower limbs of one side of the body. Rehabilitative exercises are designed to restore lost function or reduce increased muscle activity. Consult with your physician before attempting exercise after a stroke.
Exercises to Restore Loss of Muscle Activity or Flaccidity
If you experience total paralysis of your upper arm as a result of a stroke, you will be instructed to begin exercising your arm to begin to restore the normal muscle tone or activity. Start by shrugging both shoulders, since there usually is an overflow effect from the non-affected, normal side to the weakened one. Ask a helper to resist these shrugs, since this will enhance your tone on the weakened side. Progress this exercise by attempting to raise both arms out to the side, in front of you, bending your elbows, and try to make a fist. This might be very difficult at first but the muscle tone might gradually return after the first few days or weeks following the stroke.
Exercises to Reduce Increased Muscle Tone or Spasticity
Sometimes it is possible to experience too much muscle activity, known as spasticity, in the upper extremity following a stroke. If this is the case, then it is important to know how to reduce the muscle tone in order to attain normal function of your extremity. Usually, your arm will be held in a bent position at the elbow, wrist and fingers.
Ask a helper to grasp the pad of your thumb, bringing your wrist backward and turning your arm outward with the elbow supported in a straightened position. Bearing weight in this position will also help reduce your tone.
Utilizing the Affected Arm and Weightbearing Activities Enhances Function
In order to encourage return of normal muscle tone and function, it is sometimes necessary to utilize the affected upper extremity as if were not affected by the stroke at all. This means to use your weakened arm and hand for reaching, grasping or letting go of objects, opening doors and straightening your fingers. Purposely placing your non-affected hand behind your back will encourage you to use your weakened side.
Also, weight bear on your weakened arm while sitting at the edge of a bed. You can even try walking while bearing your upper body weight on a wheeled bedside table. This stability activity will encourage contraction of your upper extremity muscles.
References
- "Stroke and its Rehabilitation"; Sidney Licht, M.D. et al; 1975
- Advance: The Motor Control Model
