Injury to either side of your brain can result in paralysis of one side of your body, called hemiplegia or hemiplegic limb. This is often the result of a stroke, but can be the result of brain tumors, multiple sclerosis and other brain or nervous system disorders. According to the National Stroke Association, about 80 percent of stroke survivors experience this problem to some extent. Exercising the legs, arms and hips can help to strengthen and increase range of motion in patients suffering with hemiplegic limb.
Step 1
Talk to your doctor to find out when it is safe to begin exercising after a stroke or other illness. Your doctor may recommend you visit with an occupational or physical therapist before trying to exercise the side with hemiplegic limb.
Step 2
Take your affected arm and leg through its full range of motion. Practice making circles with your arm and leg. Bend your ankle, toes and knee as well as your fingers, wrist and elbows. This prevents your joints locking up and becoming immobile. Work on your range of motion as directed by your physical therapist.
Step 3
Engage in aerobic exercise if your doctor says it's safe. Aerobic exercise can help increase your range of motion and strength. The American Heart Association recommends exercising for 20 to 60 minutes at a time, three to seven days each week, but your doctor or physical therapist will likely recommend a slower pace and shorter workout time at first.
Step 4
Make the ABC's using the hand of your hemiplegic limb. Form each of the letters of the alphabet by moving your fingers, hand and wrist. Complete this exercise three times per day.
Step 5
Play with a stress ball. Strengthen your arm muscles by squeezing a stress ball for five minutes at a time, three times per day.
Step 6
Enhance the movement of your affected knee and hip. Lie on the ground with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Slide the heel of your affected leg down to extend -- or straighten -- your leg. Straighten your leg out as far as you comfortably can. Place your foot back on the ground and return to the starting position. Relax and repeat 10 times.
Step 7
Improve function in your hip to help with walking. Lie on the ground with your knees bent and close together. Your feet should be flat on the floor. Lie with your arms out at your sides. Slowly lift your hips off of the ground and raise them as high up as you can. While in the air, slowly twist your hips from side to side. Return to the center and slowly lower your hips to the ground. Relax and repeat 10 times.
Tips and Warnings
- To rebuild strength and function, perform as many tasks on your own as possible. This can include buttoning a shirt or pouring yourself a glass of water.
- For your safety, never exercise alone. Only perform exercises deemed safe by your doctor or physical therapist.
