Automatic One Touch Electric Can Opener, (2 Pack), Assorted Colors, $29.99 from Amazon: http://amzn.to/2oMLSO3
Many stroke victims, including me, have lost the use of their arm and hand on one side of their body. This makes what used to be simple tasks quite difficult. Even something so mundane as opening a can of food becomes difficult because you’ve lost the ability to hold the product in place while the other one does the actual work.
Manual can openers and traditional motorized units often require you to hold the can in place to operate them. (more…)
Designed for athletes, the Jungle Gym XT is a great product for stroke survivors. It’s affordable, well-built, and doesn’t take up any space at all. It’s great for stretching spastic muscles and provides a way to do weight-bearing exercises without using any weights beyond that of your own body. (more…)
I’d like to introduce you to my little friend! It’s a polypropylene shaft molded into the shape of a casual walking stick with a round handle. It’s constructed of the same plastic used to make handles for pickaxes. It’s heavy, hard as a rock, and damn near impossible to break. You can now walk around armed without looking like a thug. (more…)
Rolyan Pronation & Supination Wheel, 2 Pound Weighted Wheel Training Device for Motor Control and Mobility, Hand & Arm Trainer for Forearm and Shoulder Surgery Recovery & Rehabilitation, $77.56 from Amazon:http://amzn.to/2A6VKJJ
Su·pi·nate:so͞opəˌnāt, verb, to turn or hold (a hand, foot, or limb) so that the palm or sole is facing upward or outward.
This device is helpful in my efforts to restore the ability to turn my palm upwards. Something that is quite useful when doing things like turning doorknobs or reaching for a coffee cup. Since my stroke left me paralyzed from the shoulder down, none of the muscles that perform this activity are functioning. (more…)
Dragon Anywhere Voice Recognition App for Mobile Devices
Since my first stroke over two years ago, I have been unable to make my dominant hand do anything useful, let alone write. I do exercises every single day but still have not regained functionality. I also practice writing with my left hand every day, but it has become obvious to me that it will take a while before I can write past the elementary school level.
Not one to admit defeat, I turn to technology to solve my writing problem. (more…)
FlexiKold Gel Cold Pack (Standard Large: 10.5″ x 14.5″), $14.99 on Amazon (5% additional discount when you buy 2 or more): http://amzn.to/2x54xtY (shown with frost coating from my freezer)
For fast relief from pain, muscle cramping, or even itching, my primary solution is ice packs. When you are experiencing any of the above, reach for ice. (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…)
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…)
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…)
Have you ever been to one of those gas station car washes? You know, the automated type where as you drive into it, high-pressure water jets clean your undercarriage? Well, that’s what the Toto Washlet toilet seat does! Except, in this case, it blasts your personal exhaust instead of your car’s. (more…)
This is just plain weird, but I bought it anyway and it actually helps! You place your affected hand inside the triangle (where you can’t see it) and you stare at the reflection of your good hand while you do your exercises. Somehow, it fools your brain into believing that your affected hand is moving too. Jedi mind tricks, I suspect. (more…)
Hi-Dow AcuXPD-S Rechargeable Physical Therapy Performance Tens Unit $348.98 on Amazon: http://amzn.to/2uVZ98a
I received this top-of-the-line “TENS” (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) unit as a gift from my sister. Of course, she picked the most expensive one she could find. This one is deluxe. It has 12 different “modes,” or electrical pulse patterns, and two separate channels that allow you to electrify your arm and your leg at the same time. It’s very powerful. I regularly use it to treat both pain and spasticity. (more…)
If you’re in a wheelchair, here’s a device that will help relieve shoulder pain immensely. Check out my post for other solutions: Shoulder Pain. Fairly simple idea; it slides right on to the armrest and stays there without any tools or clamps or screws necessary. It keeps your arm up, taking the weight off of your shoulder joint. (more…)
I ordered this sling to replace the one they issued me in the hospital. That one was killing my neck and I just wouldn’t wear it as often as I should have. Read my post on Shoulder Pain if that is why you’re considering a sling. (more…)
This stuff works. Designed for serious athletes, or people that injure themselves while fantasizing that they are serious athletes. For the latter, it’s available in all kinds of colorfully-printed designs. It also comes in pre-cut lengths if you have trouble using scissors. (more…)
I absolutely love this thing. Since my stroke, I’ve had to radically change my diet, which is 90% vegetables now. Doctor’s orders. That means I have to cut everything. If you’ve ever tried cutting vegetables with one hand you know that is very difficult. (more…)
The first splint is just for the hand. It provides welcome relief if your hands tend to clench into a fist. The fingers are held down with Velcro straps onto a rigid plastic board with a comfy foam layer that absorbs perspiration and provides padding as well. It is very comfortable. I wear them both all day long. Both are washable with soap and water. (more…)
My occupational therapist doesn’t like these. She said that there was a danger that they would make my grip even stronger, which is not what I need right now because I have a problem with spasticity. However, I have found just the opposite to be true. When I can’t get my hand to relax due to spasticity, (more…)
Let’s go skateboarding! I bought this on Amazon after my second stroke and before I depleted my savings account. It’s a bit pricey, at $194 but it’s really built well. Impact-resistant molded plastic, heavy-duty casters, wide Velcro straps and a removable/adjustable handpiece. One-size-fits-all. (more…)
