We’ll explain what’s important in stroke rehabilitation and how long it takes to recover after a stroke to recover quickly. Also, You can see what skills are expected to improve during stroke rehabilitation.

Stroke Recovery: How to recover after stroke quickly

Many stroke survivors question whether stroke recovery is possible. At the same
time, they want to know how they can recover quickly after a stroke. Although
stroke recovery looks different for everyone, there are still fundamental things
you should know for your faster stroke recovery.

In this post, we’ll explain what’s important in stroke rehabilitation and how
long it takes to recover after a stroke to recover quickly. Also, You can see
what skills are expected to improve during stroke rehabilitation.



Table of contents

 * What’s important to recover after a stroke?
 * What can a patient expect to see during stroke rehabilitation?
 * Stroke Therapy and Rehabilitation Activities
 * Stroke Recovery Timeline
 * Is it possible to stroke recovery at home?
 * Now, can I fully and quickly recover after a stroke?





 What's important to recover after a stroke?
Stroke recovery is different for every person. After someone survives after a
stroke, their recovery starts that day and can continue for several years. The
severity of the stroke impacts how a person’s recovery will go.

 1. Slow and Unpredictable
    Recovery after stroke [https://www.neofect.com/us/smart-glove] starts with
    making goals with your physical, social, and emotional aspects of your life.
    You will make changes to your life to prevent additional strokes along with
    focusing on life long recovery. Patients and caregivers will have to
    understand that the recovery is slow and unpredictable. No one can really
    map out how a person will truly recover from a stroke because the way our
    brain heals is so complex. Medical professionals such as doctors, nurses,
    and therapists can make only an educated guess of how a person will recover
    based on the location and severity of the stroke.
 2. Need Support from Family and Friends
    Support from family and friends is a huge component during the recovery
    process. They give the person a sense of belonging to the world and purpose
    to life they had prior to the stroke. Patients who are recovering from a
    stroke need to feel connected more than ever to help increase the motivation
    to push through the hardest moments of their rehabilitation process. Family
    involvement also allows for better education and training to happen so the
    patient can return home when medically appropriate. Doctors, nurses, and
    therapists can train the family/caregivers in how to best care for the
    patient so they can return to their home environment safely.
 3. Time and Intensity
    Stroke rehab [https://www.neofect.com/us/for-home] will help increase
    recovery allowing a person to get back to living a full life. Rehabilitation
    focuses on high intensity repetitions which drive the key term of
    neuroplasticity which doctors and therapists focus on. Through rehab you’ll
    focus on learning new skills or relearning old skills. The biggest skills
    that are important to relearn after a stroke are motor skill learning,
    mobility skills, cognitive training and activities of daily living.
    Occupational, Physical, and Speech therapists focus on intensity exercises
    that will set a person up for success in relearning these important skills.
    A patient will start experiencing stroke rehabilitation as soon as they
    become medically stable in the hospital to increase the recovery process.
    The biggest factors for people in the recovery process are time and
    intensity.

Does a brain really recover after a stroke?
You may have heard that the brain can be recovered after a stroke. Do you know
how it happens? It’s because of brain neuroplasticity
[https://www.neofect.com/us/blog/why-neuroplasticity-matters-to-post-stroke-rehabilitation/]
. Although it is impossible to fully reverse the damage, current research has
shown that the brain is capable of relearning lost skills even years after a
stroke.

The word Neuroplasticity
[https://www.neofect.com/us/blog/why-neuroplasticity-matters-to-post-stroke-rehabilitation/] 
is a fancy way of saying that the brain (neuro) can change (plasticity). After a
stroke, neuroplasticity can help the brain to work around the damaged areas in
order to regenerate, re-establish, and rearrange the neural connections related
to function.

In order to retrain the brain after a stroke, it is important to strengthen the
neural pathways that control all of these behaviors and movements by doing 
repetitive exercises
[https://www.neofect.com/us/blog/the-ultimate-guide-to-stroke-exercises]. The
more repetitive exercises and movements one does, the stronger the pathways in
the brain will become. This is called neuroplasticity
[https://www.neofect.com/us/blog/why-neuroplasticity-matters-to-post-stroke-rehabilitation/]
.


 What can a patient expect to see during stroke rehabilitation?
Every stroke is different and will affect people differently based on their
severity and which part of the brain that stroke affects. Here are some examples
of the common changes after stroke.


Weakness or paralysis to the one side of the body

The stroke may cause a weakness or paralysis on your body. You should focus on
regaining these weakened muscles, so you can get back to your daily activities
independently.

Cognitive Skills

The brain controls critical thinking, judgment, reasoning abilities, and
judgment, therefore, having a stroke on the left side of the brain can cause
someone to have varying levels of cognitive impairments.

It’s important to keep working to improve these cognitive skills because it’s
highly related to your safety. Occupational therapists or speech and language
therapists can help you regain these abilities.

Speech and Languages Skills

Since the brain controls language skills, many people who have suffered from a
left-sided stroke may have difficulties in speaking or understanding language.
And it is called Aphasia.

Speech and language therapists can help you learn how to speak coherently and
clearly. They may teach you other communication ways if your condition is
severe.

Sensory Skills

Stroke can affect a part of your body’s ability to feel sensory inputs. You may
have difficulties feeling the heat, cold, or pressure if your sensory ability is
damaged. Therapists can work with you to help your body adjust to the change.

Swallowing Difficulties

The left side of the brain controls all oral functions which include chewing and
swallowing. After a left-sided stroke one may have trouble chewing and
swallowing. One may be put on a feeding tube until they are able to relearn how
to swallow or chew. Therapists can work with you to help your swallowing ability
to regain.

Visual impairments

After having a stroke on the left side of the brain it is common for someone to
suffer from visual impairments in the right eye. It is common for someone to
lose half of their visual field in their right eye which is called hemianopia.
One may also present with neglect to the right side of the body which is called
visuospatial neglect.

The main goal of stroke rehabilitation is to improve or relearn these weakened
skills after suffering a stroke. You can be independent and back to your living
life by improving or restoring your weakened or lost skills.




 Stroke Therapy and Rhabilitation Activities
During the therapy process you can expect to see things involving physical and
technology-assisted physical activities.

Physical Activities
[https://www.neofect.com/us/blog/the-ultimate-guide-to-stroke-exercises] may
include but not limited to:

 * Motor-Skill Exercises that focus on improving muscle strength and
   conditioning. An example of this would be a speech therapist doing swallowing
   exercises to increase a patient's ability to eat.
 * Mobility Training that teaches a patient to relearn how to walk again along
   with learning to use mobility aids such as a cane, walker, wheelchair or
   ankle/knee braces. After having a stroke a patient may experience drop foot
   and need an ankle foot orthosis to help correct the deficit.
 * Constraint-Induced Therapy which takes the unaffected limb and restrains it
   while you practice functional movements with your affected limb. This type of
   therapy helps force a patient to use their affected limb instead of
   forgetting about it.
 * Range of Motion Therapy provides exercises and treatments to help address
   increase muscle tone and spasticity to increase functional range of motion.
   Examples that patients may see are hemi slides for the upper extremity using
   a towel/sheet on a table top.




Technology-Assisted Therapy include but not limited to:

 * Functional Electrical Stimulation can help stimulate weak muscles to promote
   a contraction which will help with muscle re-education.
 * Robotic Technology will help impaired limbs perform repetitive motions
   helping increase muscle re-education for functional gains.
 * Wireless Technology helps monitor post stroke activity to allow a patient to
   see the functional movement they have.
 * Virtual Reality Technology uses video games and other computer based
   activities that allow patients to interact with simulated or real time
   activities within their environment.


 Stroke Recovery Timeline
 1. Within 3 hours
    If you suffer a stroke, it is very important to receive medical attention as
    soon as you exhibit any warning signs as each second is crucial for
    survival. Stroke is a severe medical emergency and if a person does not
    receive medical attention right away they are at greater risk for permanent
    brain damage or death.
    Tissue Plasminogen Activator(tPA) can help decrease the amount of damage
    done after sustaining a stroke but can only be administered within 3 hours
    of showing warning signs. Therefore it is very important to get help as
    quickly as you can in order to allow for the most successful recovery!
    
 2. First Few Weeks After a Stroke
    The typical length of a hospital stay after a stroke is five to seven days.
    During this time, the stroke care team will evaluate the effects of the
    stroke, which will determine the rehabilitation plan.
    The first five to six weeks of stroke recovery are the most intensive.
    Intense physical and occupational therapy will be recommended five or six
    days per week. During this time patients will go through inpatient or
    outpatient therapy, contingent on their condition and accessibility to a
    rehabilitation center. There may also be more options like receiving in-home
    physical and occupational therapy treatment.
    
 3. Three Months
    According to the Johns Hopkins stroke rehabilitation specialist April Pruski
    , The first three months of recovery are when a patient will see the most
    improvement, and gains may happen rapidly over time.  During this time, most
    patients will enter and complete an inpatient rehab program and improve
    their abilities through outpatient therapy sessions.
    
 4. Six Months
    It’s still important to do continuous and repetitive stroke rehabilitation
    within 6 months although the stroke survivor’s skill and ability is not
    fully recovered in 3 months. A stroke survivor’s ability to improve during
    this period relies on their individual effort and the support of their
    friends, family, and doctors. A coordinated effort among specialists can
    facilitate further progress months and years down the line. While
    improvement may take longer for some patients, there’s still hope for small
    advances.Two Years
    Some stroke survivors who have Aphasia after suffering a stroke can take up
    to two years to fully regain their speaking ability.  (25 to 40 percent)
    

 Is it possible to stroke recovery at home?
Now, you may wonder if you can do your stroke recovery at home. Because there
are some restrictions like time or money to start every therapies and exercises
for your faster stroke recovery.

You’ll probably start your stroke rehabilitation in the hospital, but you
already know that stroke recovery is a long-term journey. So you should find
another option for your better living life. And it would be great if you can
start your stroke recovery at home.

Here are some options you can choose before you leave the hospital to determine
the best rehabilitation setting. The options include:

 1. Outpatient units. Some of the hospitals or clinics offer a stroke rehab
    outpatient program. You may spend a few hours at the facility a couple of
    days a week for your stroke recovery.
 2. Skilled nursing facilities. You may want to stay at nursing facilities for
    intense therapy options. But please check out if the facility specializes in
    stroke rehabilitation before you select.
 3. Stroke Recovery at-home programs. Doing your stroke recovery at home makes
    your living life with greater flexibility than other options. You can be
    stable in your home and do your rehab repetitively without any place
    movements. Some home-based therapy spends less than outpatients units or
    skilled nursing facilities.

The rehabilitation after a stroke begins after doctor’s assessment and
treatments in patient’s conditions. You should choose which options fits to
their condition and design the stroke rehab journey to help the survivor reclaim
their independence and return their previous daily life as soon as possible.

 Now, can I fully and quickly recover after a stroke?
According to the National Stroke Association, 10 percent of people who have a
stroke recover almost completely, with 25 percent recovering with minor
impairments. Another 40 percent experience moderate to severe impairments that
require special care. And 10 percent require long-term care in a nursing home or
other facility. This means that there are differences based on their severity
and treatment. But you can make your stroke recovery faster and as much as
possible. As you saw, there is a concept called neuroplasticity
[https://www.neofect.com/us/blog/why-neuroplasticity-matters-to-post-stroke-rehabilitation/]
!

These are just a few things a patient may experience during their rehabilitation
process. The best advice for a person who has survived a stroke is to seek high
intensity therapy as quickly as possible. This will increase the chances of
living life to the fullest. As you come to understand the best options for you
or a loved one’s rehab journey, don’t miss the opportunity to check out Neofect
[https://www.neofect.com/us/] Home Rehab Solutions. Neofect Home Rehab products
[https://shop.neofect.com/] are clinically proven to improve hand and arm
functionality at home with fun and engaging activities.

To learn more, (888) 623-8984 or email us at info@neofect.com

Stroke Recovery

After a stroke, organizing your day with a daily routine in a way that works for you will help you stay focused on your stroke rehabilitation and recovery.

The Importance of Setting Up a Post Stroke Routine

Having a daily routine helps us create habits to meet our goals. After a stroke,
there is a lot of information and recommendations that may feel overwhelming.
Organizing your day in a way that works for you will help you stay focused on
your post stroke rehabilitation and getting back to the things that matter most.

We'll discuss 6 things to work into your day that have been shown to assist in
your stroke recovery and rehabilitation [https://www.neofect.com/us/smart-glove]
, and show you how to begin to make them habit. Download our rehab calendar
below.

 1. Aerobic exercise
 2. Strength training
 3. Sleep
 4. Meditation
 5. Intensive Repetitions
 6. Functional Goal Training

1. AEROBIC EXERCISE
It is common for people who have had a stroke to become deconditioned. They may
have limited movement and may struggle with depression. Aerobic exercise is
important for stroke because it improves the function of the heart and lungs,
which can reduce the risk of heart disease and future strokes.

Aerobic exercise has also been shown to boost mood and improve cognition in
people post stroke, specifically information processing and motor learning
tasks.

The American Heart Association recommends people with stroke participate in
aerobic exercise 20-60 minutes, 3-5 days a week. The recommended method is
treadmill training, if able.

If you’re unable to safely use a treadmill or walk outside, there are several
other ways to get the heart pumping and increase the rate of breathing, which
are the key ingredients in aerobic exercise. A recumbent bicycle, hand bicycle,
or rowing machine are a few options. You might also try a punching bag or chair
aerobics.

2. STRENGTH TRAINING


Strength training is also an important piece of exercise to incorporate into
your daily post stroke routine. Strength training focused on high repetitions
prevents muscle atrophy, and actually improves the quality of muscle fibers and
overall functional capacity.

Guidelines for strength training are 2-3 times a week. Strength training should
take about 30 minutes. Recommendations for which muscles to train should be done
in collaboration with your physician and/or your physical or occupational
therapist. Typically, you want to address major muscle groups and complete 2-3
sets of 10-20 repetitions. You want to exercise your muscles to the point of
fatigue.

3. SLEEP
The brain requires sleep to detoxify proteins that are built up during waking
hours. It also helps solidify working memory. For people recovering from stroke
and in the process of building new neural connections, sleep is essential for
recovery.

Sleep disorders are common after stroke and should be addressed with your
physician to ensure maximum recovery, but making sleep a priority by putting it
into your schedule is one step in the right direction.

4. MEDITATION


You might be tired of hearing about the benefits of meditation, but it has been
specifically studied in people with stroke and has been shown to improve
balance, fatigue, depression, and disability. 20 minutes of daily meditation is
the recommended dosage, but if you’re new to meditation, aim for 5 minutes a day
using a meditation app and increase as you feel the benefits.

5. INTENSIVE REPETITIONS
Intensive repetitions (moving your muscles and joints over, and over, and over
again) is the best way to create neuroplasticity
[https://www.neofect.com/us/blog/why-neuroplasticity-matters-to-post-stroke-rehabilitation] 
and create new neural pathways to the muscles that were affected by the stroke.

The Neofect suite of rehabilitation tools
[https://www.neofect.com/en/about-us/rapael-suite/] help make intensive
repetitions motivating and fun. It gives you both visual and auditory feedback.

6. FUNCTIONAL GOAL TRAINING
Intensive repetition of movement is only one piece of the picture. You also need
to practice a functional goal over and over to retrain your brain how to
complete a task.

Choose one long-term goal. Write it on a sticky note and place it on the mirror.
Add it to your daily schedule and commit to practicing it everyday. Studies have
shown that quality of life increases with improvements in function over improved
motor control. One of the best ways to work on your skills is to incorporate it
into the things you already have to do during the day.

CREATING A ROUTINE
Does it all sound overwhelming? Take a deep breath and think about it one step
at a time. Create a digital or physical calendar and schedule time to complete
the above activities. You can print out a sample calendar and place it in a
plastic sheet protector. Check off your accomplishments for the week with a dry
erase marker, and wipe it clean the next week. Prioritize what’s important to
you to start with. You’ve got this!

For more support and encouragement, join our Neofect support group
[https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeofectSupportGroup/] on Facebook!



Download your blank calendar here
[https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Gqnc_x7E_UXrZVqh2TfnM-PdXUOI2slJ/view?usp=sharing]
.

To learn more about the Neofect [https://www.neofect.com/us/] line of smart
rehabilitation tools, which include support from occupational therapists to
maximize your rehabilitation, please call (866) 534-4989 or email 
contactus@neofect.com.

REFERENCES
Boyne, P., Billinger, S., MacKay-Lyons, M., Barney, B., Khoury, J., & Dunning,
K. (2017). Aerobic Exercise Prescription in Stroke Rehabilitation: A Web-Based
Survey of US Physical Therapists
[https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5357184/]. Journal of neurologic
physical therapy : JNPT, 41(2), 119–128. doi:10.1097/NPT.0000000000000177

Billinger, S. A., Coughenour, E., Mackay-Lyons, M. J., & Ivey, F. M. (2012). 
Reduced cardiorespiratory fitness after stroke: biological consequences and
exercise-induced adaptations
[https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3159380/]. Stroke research and
treatment, 2012, 959120. doi:10.1155/2012/959120

Bruno Bavaresco Gambassi, Hélio José Coelho-Junior, Paulo Adriano Schwingel, et
al., “Resistance Training and Stroke: A Critical Analysis of Different Training
Programs [https://www.hindawi.com/journals/srt/2017/4830265/],” Stroke Research
and Treatment, vol. 2017, Article ID 4830265, 11 pages, 2017.

Khot, S., Morgenstern (2019) Sleep and Stroke
[https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/STROKEAHA.118.023553]. Stroke: 2019;
50:1612–1617 https://doi.org/10.1161/STROKEAHA.118.023553

Underwood, E (2013) Sleep: The Brain’s Housekeeper?
[https://science.sciencemag.org/content/342/6156/301] Science 18 Oct 2013: Vol.
342, Issue 6156, pp. 301. DOI: 10.1126/science.342.6156.301

Vennu, Vishal & Kachanathu, Shaji & , PriyankaBhatia & Nuhmani, Shibili. (2013). 
Efficacy of meditation with conventional physiotherapy management on sub-acute
stroke patients
[https://www.researchgate.net/publication/264554102_Efficacy_of_meditation_with_conventional_physiotherapy_management_on_sub-acute_stroke_patients]
. Scholarly Journal of Medicine. 3. 48-52.

Kelly, Kristina M; Borstad, Alexandra L; Kline, David; Gauthier, Lynne V;
National Library of Medicine.Improved quality of life following
constraint-induced movement therapy is associated with gains in arm use, but
not
motor improvement [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30246613]. Topics in
stroke rehabilitation Vol. 25, Iss. 7, (October 2018): 467-474.
DOI:10.1080/10749357.2018.1481605

Additional information on Post Stroke Routines:
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke - Post Stroke
Rehabilitation Fact Sheet
[https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Post-Stroke-Rehabilitation-Fact-Sheet]
American Stroke Association - Life After Stroke
[https://www.stroke.org/en/life-after-stroke]
Healthtalk.org - Stroke Recovery
[http://www.healthtalk.org/peoples-experiences/nerves-brain/stroke/stroke-recovery-daily-activities-and-personal-care]

All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not
intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or
treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health
provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you
think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.
Reliance on any information provided by the Neofect website
[https://www.neofect.com/us/for-home] is solely at your own risk.

stroke recovery and rehabilitation

Creating a Post Stroke Recovery Routine at Home

NEOFECT rehabilitation devices close the gap between what we know from current stroke research and what is happening in actual life. 

Tips on How to Choose the Best NEOFECT Device for People With Stroke



NEOFECT rehabilitation devices close the gap between what we know from current
stroke research and what is happening in actual life. Since the 1990s onward,
there is robust evidence to support intensive, repetitive, task-specific
training to improve function of the hand and arm for people who have had a
stroke [1]. Yet, even with this strong evidence of massed practice, there
continues to be hindrances in practical application.

When it comes to intensive, repetitive training, attending weekly therapy is not
enough, and the focus has shifted to implementing home exercise programs, which
create a multitude of obstacles including time and motivation; as well as
inability to have feedback on proper form and upgrading/downgrading exercises
for optimal rehabilitation potential. There are also many people who have been
discharged from therapy that are trying to implement exercises on their own and
have no clear guidance for what activities to do.

That's where the NEOFECT Smart Glove, Smart Board, and Pegboard come in. They
provide a virtual reality experience to support and motivate you to complete the
repetitions and intensity needed to create neuroplasticity
[https://www.neofect.com/us/blog/why-neuroplasticity-matters-to-post-stroke-rehabilitation]
. But everyone is in a different stage of recovery. How do you know which device
is right for you?



Neofect Smart Board


When we look at the development of arm and hand function from infancy as well as
recovery post stroke, we notice clear patterns starting with gross movements to
more refined movements. We need stability in bigger muscles to successfully use
smaller muscles, which is why movement of the shoulder and elbow typically
happen before functional movement of the hand and fingers.

The hemiplegic [https://www.neofect.com/us/blog/hemiplegia-vs-hemiparesis] 
shoulder can be tight and painful and limit hand function. The Neofect Smart
Board [https://www.neofect.com/us/smart-board] targets the muscles of the
shoulder and elbow and can be a good option to gain mobility and strength in the
shoulder in preparation for using the muscles of the wrist and fingers. It’s set
up in a gravity eliminated plane, which allows a person who is only able to
shrug their shoulders or push a towel across a table able to use it and build up
strength.

If you don’t have movement in your wrist or fingers, but do have visible
movement in the shoulder or elbow, the Smart Board would be good for you!

If you do have movement in your wrist or fingers, but you also want to work on
your shoulder and elbow, you might benefit from both the Smart Board and the
Smart Glove!

Neofect Smart Glove


The Neofect Smart Glove [https://www.neofect.com/us/smart-glove] targets the
muscles of the forearm, wrist, and fingers. When we look at functional tasks, we
use a combination of muscles and movements, but depending on the area of the
brain that was affected by the stroke, certain signals aren’t getting through to
certain muscles. There are typical patterns of muscle tightening post stroke
that make turning the hand over, extending the wrist, and opening and closing
the fingers difficult. By isolating those movements with intensive repetitions
we can rewire the brain to send stronger signals to the muscles to activate and
with practice turn these movements into improved ability to complete tasks
independently.

Targeting the muscles of the forearm, wrist, and fingers is essential for
functionally using the hand. When we pick up an item, it’s very difficult to
have any force in our fingers to grasp an item if our wrist is flexed downward.
It’s very difficult to be able to stabilize a water bottle or access our cell
phone if we’re unable to turn our hand over.

If you have even the slightest movement to turn your hand over or move your
wrist or fingers, you might benefit from the Smartglove. The sensors can track
this movement and the software uses artificial intelligence to allow you to be
successful at a game within your abilities and will push you just a little bit
harder to move a little bit further. It’s all about finding that “just right
challenge”.

If you have pretty good movement of your wrist and fingers, you might still
benefit from the Smartglove. Intensive repetitions are the key to
neuroplasticity, but also strength and endurance. If you’re looking to improve
your dexterity, you might benefit from both the Smartglove and the Pegboard.

Neofect Pegboard


A basic pegboard has been used as a tool in therapy for decades. It requires
multiple repetitions of grasp and release in a specific way. There are a lot of
ways the hand can get a peg in a hole, so it also develops problem-solving for
functional tasks. The problem is that a pegboard is boring and isn’t a
meaningful activity, which is also key in rehabilitation. The Smart Pegboard
gamifies this motor skill to increase dexterity, timing, and coordination. You
have to practice, practice, practice to get good at picking up something and
letting it go to develop the ability button your pants, tie shoes, and zip up a
zipper.

If you have really good active movement of your hand, but struggle with fine
motor skills the Pegboard is a great option for you. But don’t forget that the
key to hand use is in the bigger muscles first, and the Smartglove might also be
beneficial to build strength in the wrist, which will allow you to use your
fingers better.

NEOFECT occupational therapists are available to consult, if you still aren’t
sure what stage of rehabilitation you might be at. We want to make sure we
maximize your rehabilitation and find what works for you. Let’s get you where
you want to be!

All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not
intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or
treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health
provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you
think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.
Reliance on any information provided by the NEOFECT website is solely at your
own risk.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 1. Adey-Wakeling, Z., & Crotty, M. (2013). Upper limb rehabilitation following
    stroke: Current evidence and future perspectives
    [https://www.futuremedicine.com/doi/10.2217/ahe.13.67]. Aging Health, 9(6),
    629-647. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.2217/ahe.13.67 ↩︎

Tips on How to Choose the Best Neofect Device for People With Stroke

Here are 10 tips that help you stay committed to stroke recovery program at home for successful healing after a stroke.

10 Tips on How to Stay Committed to Stroke Recovery at Home

The key to successful healing after a stroke comes down to two things: intensity
and frequency of exercises. This is why it’s so important to stay motivated and
perform your stroke treatment at home [https://www.neofect.com/us/] program
daily or as prescribed by your therapist. Easier said than done, right?


Here are 10 tips that can help you stay committed to your stroke treatment at
home:


 1. Set a goal for yourself: Setting a goal for yourself can help you stay
    motivated. When setting goals, don’t forget to take time to celebrate the
    small wins that lead to big wins. For example, if you love to paint you
    could set a long-term goal to be able to paint and you may set a short term
    goal to pick up a paintbrush with your affected hand.
    
    
 2. Set up a routine: Setting a routine will lead to seeing good results from
    doing your therapy. The more you stick with your routine, the easier it will
    get! Consider setting reminders on your phone or calendar.
    
    
 3. Find your motivation: In order to stick with a program, it’s important to be
    motivated. Before you start your home therapy program, figure out what your
    true motivation is. Perhaps it’s being able to cook again. If you feel like
    you are starting to slack at your home therapy program, remember your
    motivation. Keep that recipe book nearby!
    
    
 4. Stay as independent as you can: Sometimes being in a hospital for awhile and
    getting help with everything can cause you to quickly forget how much you
    can still do for yourself! Once you’re home however, fight back to get your
    independence back. For example, put your shirt on yourself and just ask for
    help with buttoning if needed.
    
    



 5. Find support: Having support during the healing process is important to
    staying committed and motivated during the rehab process. That support can
    come from friends, family members or peers in a stroke support group. You
    just have to be remember that this journey doesn’t have to be lonely!
    
    
 6. Be present and celebrate each success: Don’t forget to celebrate each
    success instead of just looking at the end goal. It’s easy to lose
    motivation if you are thinking about all the things you can't do instead of
    the things you can. For example, if you want to be able to pitch a baseball
    again, celebrate when you’re first able to hold the ball in your hand again.
    Little by little, you’ll get there.
    
    
 7. Stay active in your hobbies: Stay committed to the activities you enjoy
    doing! It will help you stay motivated to get better.
    
    



 8. Learn about your body: After a stroke many people will have tone. It’s
    helpful to pay attention to when your tone is at its best and perform your
    home therapy program then. For example, if your tone is best in the morning
    then you should perform your home therapy program in the morning.
    
    
 9. Don't ignore emotional distress: It’s very common to start feeling down
    after a stroke. Make sure to reach out for some support if you are starting
    to lose your motivation or are feeling down. Your friends, family, and peers
    at local support groups want to see you succeed as much as you do.
    
    



 10. Find a fun and motivating way to perform your therapy: Home exercise
     programs can get boring, so look for fun ways to stay engaged. Neofect
     [https://www.neofect.com/us/] developed the Smart Glove and Smart Board to
     bring fun and motivating therapy into homes. The Smart Glove and Smart
     Board use a gamified approach [https://www.neofect.com/us/] to perform
     therapeutic exercises and are able to capture all improvements along the
     way!

To learn more about the Smart Glove and Smart Board please call (888) 623-8984
[tel:+18886238984] or email contactus@neofect.com.