Improved finger movements after a stroke

To pick up, let’s say, a coin lying on the table, you need to perform a whole number of exact and coordinated finger and hand movements. Performing movements like these requires full control over the muscles, reflexes and fingers position. Motor disorders after a stroke can make light movements impossible and they have to be restored.

The main principle leading to the success in stroke patients rehabilitation is confined to the ability of brain to restore (recreate) damaged neurologic structures. The process can be accelerated by means of regular performance of exercises with maximum inclusion of an injured limb.

One of the methods that realize this principle is the motor disorders treatment by constraint-induced therapy. In this case, the patient performs various household functions, for example, cleaning, applying make-up, writing, cooking and other tasks. These classes are held daily and very intensively - for up to 6 hours. During the rest period it is recommended to use special devices that are worn on the developed limb in order to ensure the position in which it is most relaxed.

The following are among the effective exercises one can perform at home:

• insert and remove pegs in a perforated board,
• throw stones into a cardboard box,
• use hair bands to strengthen finger muscles, for example, by moving it from finger to finger. It is possible at this time to help with a healthy hand,
• Shrink the rubber ball to also strengthen the musculature.

In case of severe damage, a patient can start with less complicated exercises:

• developing a range of movements - with the help of a healthy hand or an assistant it is necessary to move the damaged limb after a stroke,
• it is advisable to concentrate on the fingers of the hand and try to move a certain finger. This is a difficult task though it’s efficient,
• it is necessary to occasionally knead the fingers of the damaged arm,
• try to move fingers apart and vice versa, squeeze into a fist.

Rejoice every improvement as even a small finger movement is a huge success and it's your merit. To restore the consequences of a stroke, optimism is especially important, since it is not a day's work. The results of independent work will be evident only after weeks, or even months, of daily exercises.

See also similar articles on the subject:

• Consequences of stroke and rehabilitation
• Pradaxa in stroke prevention
• Stenting in stroke treatment

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