Stroke survivors need to include stretching into their daily physical rehabilitation programmes. However, must caregivers and stroke survivors do not fully understand the full benefits of stretching. This video discusses in easy to understand language what those exact benefits are. This information should give stroke survivors extra confidence when performing their home physical rehabilitation programme.
Static stretching should be introduced to a stroke survivor's home rehabilitation programme, but very few stroke survivor's know how to stretch their muscles correctly. This video will discuss a simple technique how to stretch all muscles correctly. It will assist your stroke survivor in their recovery.
Caregivers and stroke survivors who undertake a home physical rehabilitation programme after stroke should understand the terms 'Trigger Point', 'Chronic Pain' and 'Contractures'. This video discusses these terms and will help your motivation for the future. Good education is vital before you undertake a physical rehabilitation programme. This video will help!
Chapter 14: Loosen Up
THE TAKEAWAY
1. Regular stretching increases blood flow, boosts oxygen levels, and helps deliver nutrients to your stroke survivor’s muscles and tendons. Warm up first, then stretch—so stretching after a rehabilitation class works best. Stretch muscles and tendons slowly and consistently to prevent injuries.
2. Regular stretching will benefit your stroke survivor by reducing muscle spasticity, improving motor function, increasing joint range of motion, preventing the development of contractures and chronic pain, and preparing muscles to become active and to recover.
3. Contractures involve developing extreme stiffness in a stroke survivors’ muscles, joints, or connective tissue. Symptoms normally include pain and loss of movement in the joint. Contractures can result if spasticity in the limbs is left untreated by regular joint movement and stretching.
4. If your stroke survivor does not move their joints and muscles for a period of a few weeks, they will gradually experience pain in these joints and muscles. This chronic pain (pain that lasts for more than a few months) will seriously interfere with their quality of life and their motivation to perform their rehabilitation.
5. Stretches must be held against minimal resistance but must be held for at least 30 to 60 seconds to have maximum benefit.