Fix a Spastic Arm

[@kicknowledgesmith8608]

Spasticity is like stepping on the brake and the gas at the same time. In my case the more I stretch and move the arm, the looser it gets. Exercise helps me a lot because it warms up my body which relieves stress, therefore reducing spasticity. Slow movement also helps. When I lift my arm up really slow, it moves a lot better. The more you do this the brain will learn. My leg started out the same way. The more I walked, the better I got at it, now I can just stand up and my brain doesn't pull resources from my arm as much, meaning my arm doesn't flex as much when I walk anymore because it now has a better connection to my leg. I add functional arm movement in my exercises, like picking up a block and dropping it in a bucket. I do this very slowly and have to breath and focus in order to drop the block. The spasticity makes this difficult but the more you practice, the easier it gets. I stand against the wall and lift my arm up to the side very slowly. I also use a cane while I'm sitting down, to practice arm extension and move the cane to the side away from my body. I have to keep reminding the brain that the arm exist, to let it know that I need it. The brain can get comfortable and think we don't need it because we have another one, so it figures why work so hard to move it If you can't move it all all, just look at it, tap it, brush it, talk to it, stretch the fingers, or put something in your hand with the help of your non affect hand. it's frustrating but I have to remind myself that it's a marathon, not a race. In the beginning I never thought I'd be walking, lifting weights, or riding an exercise bike again. It's not perfect but I look a lot better than I did in the beginning, not just physically but mentally also. I'm more independent now. The body follows the mind. Keep fighting, don't give up.

[@rehabhqofficial]

Excellent explanation of how spasticity feels and tips!

[@migointhecut]

I can’t say nothing else besides respect and I am moving forward after what we have been in encountering since I did also suffered one similar like yours , hemorrhage stroke. but here we are. stay up fella. and never look back but moving forward with new life that we got! 💯

[@kicknowledgesmith8608]

@@migointhecut Thank you! This means a lot. I will keep fighting everyday, not just for myself but for my loved ones, all the survivors and the ones that didn't. This has been a tough road but I'm happy to be here, with an opportunity to build on this this new life. Take care.

[@liahl2710]

May I know how long since your surgery/ stroke? I don’t know if it’s too late to relearn?

[@kicknowledgesmith8608]

@@liahl2710 My stroke happened 2 years ago. I had a Hemorrhagic stroke due to an AVM that ruptured. It's never to late to relearn. I know it's hard but the key is to try to stay positive, keep moving and keep fighting. Mind over matter. In the beginning I never thought I would walk again or be independent but I set goals and take baby steps. You can do it. Take care.

[@ernestreid9296]

Thankyou for reinforcing what to do for spasticity. I really apricate you being part of my REHAB team. Lots of hugs.

[@rehabhqofficial]

You bet Ernest! Keep going!

[@kathrynK303]

Thank you so much for sharing Ms. Tobias! ❤️ Have a wonderful week!

[@rehabhqofficial]

You as well!

[@0richbike]

Excellent info. Ideally I'd do Olympic gymnastics as a functional exercise but for now I'm just trying to switch lights on and off with my dodgy arm

[@rehabhqofficial]

lol. Just an analogy.

[@dennymeta]

I had my first stroke in my late 20s. Took up parkour and gymnastics in my late 30s and definitely regained more movement than I'd expected. Had another one in my late 40s and still trying to claw my way back from that.

[@droman655]

yeahmygoalistoturnonanoggthelidhtwmylefthanfasalrftirofcoutseitmyleftarmthatisdead

[@WilliamVitale-n9s]

Tara, this video addresses my most concerning deficit. I’m 4 1/2 years post stroke. Thank you!

[@darkodarkovic7827]

Thank you Tara for the video full of valuable advice and recommendations. I would like to highlight that we need to perfect the movement to become a functional routine and the possibility of isolated movements only for some joints. I have progressed, but I still need to perfect some movements to that level. Have a nice week.

[@Baguaengland]

Excellent lesson. ❤

[@xeno6217]

Thx I need this so much. Stroke for 4th months, arm still stuck

[@0richbike]

Taken me 3 years to get a degree of control back. Lying down then using your good arm (hopefully) to guide your dodgy one I found works. Good luck

[@rehabhqofficial]

Keep going! Don’t give up!

[@xeno6217]

@@0richbike thx appreciate it

[@multiplesclerosisjourney-s7776]

Can contractures in a limb be fixed?

[@user-mv5bu2kk8b]

Wonderful explanation sure helped me understand this much better never had a pt or ot take the time to help mr understand some of these yhat i Have a safr and Wonderful holiday season have

[@rehabhqofficial]

Thanks for watching and for sharing! I am glad it was helpful!

[@charlesmcginn4598]

Thank you….. good video ❤❤❤

[@rehabhqofficial]

Glad it was helpful!

[@charlesmcginn4598]

Or door…… free😂😂

[@richsadventures1889]

Hi Dr. Tara. In your opinion is 90 days the time we have regained most of the functions we will get back, or do you believe we continue to make connections if we continue to work?

[@noa20000-b]

I know people who have spinal cord injuries that improved and gained function years after their injuries. The brain is always learning so continue. The 90 days definitely the highest time where lots of connections forms but that doesn't mean no connections will form passed the 90 days.

[@sofiawsf]

Thank you for sharing these important insights. I think I need the product to do my external movements on my left arm. How can I get the product and how much is it?

[@kskmedia4994]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ thanks Dr

[@waderidsdale402]

Patience has to be @ the top of the list as its going to be as recovery is a journey.

[@rehabhqofficial]

Yes!