03/02/2021
Post Hemi Stroke Gait Retraining- Slow but steady.
We are often given conflicting information about rehab potential and time frames. Many of my clients are told about the "golden period" for rehab but information and management after this period is unclear or isn't even talked about. While yes, the 6 months post incident is often where you might get the quickest gains in your functional capacity, you can still get improvements after this period! It often takes a bit more time but the body adapts with training and you just need enough stimulus and time for neuroplasticity to kick in. Perserverence is key!
On the left (April 2020), the client has been walking with a rigid AFO+SPS post stroke 5 years and only tolerating 5-10m due to fear of falling, pain in the ankle and fatigue. They were hesitant to take the AFO off at first because it was believed that this was going to be forever.
Flash forward 9 months (Jan 2021) with weekly physio input+ daily home exercises and self management techniques (the most important part of it), the client is now able to walk with SPS in orthotic supported footwear without AFO, and outdoors, for 100m. There has been a significant reduction in pain, increase in cadence/speed, increase in ankle stability, increase in endurance, and most importantly increase in confidence and feeling good with mobility.
Your healthcare team is there to support your goals and work with you to achieve your highest potential. While at times certain goals may be difficult to achieve and unfortunately sometimes not achieveable due to the nature of the condition, there is always room to discuss ways to improve your function in different aspects such as pain, endurance, range, strength or even improving compensated movements. Worth having a chat to your health practitioner.
Music: Chill
Musician: LiQWYD
URL: http://www.soundcloud.com/liqwyd
