Workbook for Aphasia: Exercises for the Development of Higher Level Language Functioning, by Susan Howell Brubaker, 3rd Edition, ring-bound format (note: plastic comb format is shown in photo) $76.50, on Amazon: http://amzn.to/2wwRhOn
The Workbook for Aphasia, Exercises for the Redevelopment of Higher Level Language Functioning, 3rd Edition was written by Susan Howell Brubaker, M.S., CCC-SP, Speech and Language Pathology at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan. (more…)
Mission: To empower stroke survivors and their families to overcome the challenges of life after stroke
Vision: The vision of the American Stroke Foundation is to reach out to stroke survivors and their families across America and empower them to reclaim hope for life after stroke
The American Stroke Foundation strives to:
Provide learning opportunities for stroke survivors that stimulate their physical, educational, and emotional growth
Create an environment for stroke survivors that enriches their lives and the lives of their caregivers and promotes living a full life after stroke
Foster an atmosphere where stroke survivors, staff, and caregivers can interact in a positive, progressive environment of mutual respect
When it comes to self-directed physical therapy, I have one rule: Consult with a pro every time before trying a new exercise that I haven’t done before. Why? Because nothing will delay your recovery more than an injury. This rule is something I adopted after I blew out my shoulder thinking I knew what I was doing. I didn’t, and spent 6 months in agony, and couldn’t do my exercises.
This site is by 25-year veteran physiotherapist Susan Ehler. She’s got a bunch of videos on individual exercises and stroke tips, plus complete 45-minute physio classes. The production quality is very high, and her easy-going and friendly style is very engaging. You’ll like her immediately.
Access to the site is free, but there is an opportunity to donate in order to keep the site going. If you can free up a few bucks, it’s a really great investment. It’s a great site.
When I was in acute rehab, in-home rehab, and then later in outpatient rehab, my therapists were constantly correcting me on my walking technique. (more…)
The Plastic Fantastic Brain: Rewiring the Mind, FREE on Amazon Video (1:26): http://amzn.to/2hYDklY
The Plastic Fantastic Brain is a fascinating documentary video that tells the story of 4 case studies conducted by researchers in the field of Neuroplasticity.(more…)
Bodylastics STRONG MAN, Stackable Resistance Bands Sets – Each Set includes Top Quality ANTI-SNAP exercise tubes, Heavy-Duty Components: Anchors/Handles/Ankle Straps, and exercise training resources. $59.97 on Amazon: http://amzn.to/2vzMU1G
You don’t need to go to a gym to get a self-directed therapy workout. You can do that at home with resistance bands. There are lots and lots of choices when it comes to resistance bands available. Let me tell you about the ones I bought. (more…)
I’ll begin with a question: If I told you that if you do your therapy exercises for a couple of hours every single day, every week, for weeks and months, for several years – and as a result, you’d only have a 10% chance of recovery, would you do them? Suppose I told you that not doing your therapy exercises at all would result in a 0% chance of recovery? (more…)
So…you’ve just had a stroke. You’re out of the hospital and rehab. Your brain is in a fog and you’re exhausted, both physically and mentally. One side of your body barely functions, including your face. Your speech is as blurry as your thought processes. You might be in a lot of pain. Your vision is also diminished. You may even be suffering from depression. (more…)
This massager occupies a place of honor on a table near the TV – it gets that much use. I keep it plugged in and ready to go at all times because I am waging war with spasticity in my arm and hand. (more…)
The most effective pain relief that I have found, without exception, has been massage. Not just any massage – there are many, many types. I mean Sports Massage. (more…)
I’ve been visiting chiropractors for over 35 years. In that time, I have learned a thing or two. In my view, there are two types of chiropractors: (more…)
If you are squeamish, then skip this video. It features a severed arm and hand from a cadaver. If you didn’t just finish a meal and are curious how your arm and hand are constructed, then proceed. (more…)
If you are experiencing pain or spasticity or muscle cramping as a result of your stroke, then you may want to consider Acupuncture. The Chinese have been practicing acupuncture for thousands of years. Western medicine is paying attention too, and acupuncture is even covered by major insurance plans. (more…)
My habit tracking using the Strides app. Task list is shown here.
You’ve probably heard the old cliché: “A goal without a plan is a wish.” Well, it’s true. If you wish to recover, but you don’t actually have a plan in place to get there, then all you’re doing is wishing. (more…)
The Brain’s Way of Healing: Remarkable Discoveries and Recoveries from the Frontiers of Neuroplasticity, by Norman Doidge, M.D., from $10.99 on Amazon: http://amzn.to/2u4MOBS
Saloniture Professional Portable Folding Massage Table with Carrying Case: $119.99 from Amazon: http://amzn.to/2ukdABG
Of all the purchases that I’ve made since my first stroke, this is probably the most important. Sold as a massage table, I have decided that it’s a perfect exercise platform instead. If you’re like me, getting down on the floor is difficult – getting up is damn near impossible. Yet, so many of the exercises that my physical therapist assigned me to do at home require me to be laying down. This table is perfect for that. (more…)
