The human brain is a complex organ that requires a steady blood supply to keep the tissue oxygenated. When this blood supply is compromised, brain cells begin to die after several minutes. This is called a stroke, and usually results from an artery blockage or hemorrhage. Severe brain damage or death can result shortly after a stroke, and it is important to seek medical help immediately if you think you may have had a stroke. Rehabilitation from a stroke can be be challenging, but there are hand and arm exercises that can help with coordination.
Effect
After a stroke, you may lose your fine motor skills. This can cause simple hand and arm tasks to become difficult. Physical and occupational therapists are trained to help you through this difficult time and teach you procedures and exercises to help you gain back your coordination. You may not regain full range of motion or complete function, but according to the American Stroke Association, repeated attempts are the key for improvement.
Hand Exercises
You can increase your success by doing hand exercises by yourself at home. Vast improvements using constraint-induced therapy on stroke victims are possible. This is when you wear a mitten or make your strong hand immobile. This requires you to use your weak hand at all times, helping your brain create a new pathway and to help re-train your hand. Other hand exercises include placing pegs into a peg board or shooting marbles at a target. If you are having trouble bending your fingers, squeezing soft objects like a rubber ball or clay may be beneficial.
Arm Exercises
Arm exercises are critical at establishing good functionality of your limbs. For stroke victims who have stable control, do 10 to 15 repetitions of resistance training exercises for each set of arm exercises. These should focus on the major muscle groups and at least one set should be completed two to three times a week. This will help increase strength and functionality.
Considerations
All stroke victims are different and a specialized exercise program should be tailored specifically for you. MayoClinic.com claims that 6.5 million Americans are living with a history of a stroke. This means there are others individuals that have been through what you are experiencing. Support groups and other helpful organizations can help you through this difficult time and give helpful advice.
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