When Survivors Can’t Swallow After Stroke: How to Recover from Dysphagia

If you can’t swallow after stroke, it’s likely that you have a condition known as dysphagia. This causes difficulty controlling the oral muscles responsible for swallowing. Dysphagia should be taken very seriously because it can lead to complications such as aspiration pneumonia, which occurs when food or drink is accidentally inhaled and causes infection in the lungs. This article will explain everything you need to know about difficulty swallowing after stroke as well as the recovery process. Use the links below to jump straight to any section: Causes of dysphagia Possible complications Recovery process Dysphagia timeline What Causes Dysphagia After Stroke? Dysphagia is a condition characterized by...

Stem Cell Therapy for Stroke Recovery: How Does It Work?

Can stem cell therapy promote recovery after a stroke? This relatively recent breakthrough in stroke treatment appears very promising and gives significant data that supports the use of stem cell therapy after neurological injury. In fact, recent studies utilizing stem cell therapy reported that some participants were able to regain the ability to walk and no longer required the use of a wheelchair. If you’re interested in learning more about the pros and cons of this cutting-edge treatment, read on. This article will explain what stem cell therapy is and how it can potentially promote recovery after a stroke. Use these links to navigate...

5 Easy Tests for Foot Drop

Think you suffer from foot drop after a stroke or neurological injury? In this post, we will cover five easy tests to identify foot drop. Foot drop is a common symptom of many neurological and orthopedic issues affecting the lower leg. Most commonly, the peroneal nerve is the affected culprit, causing the lack of ability to lift the foot or toes off the ground. This could lead to a person dragging their foot as they walk, increase the risk of tripping or falling while walking, or cause the person to alter their steppage gait.  The following tests are simple tests that clinicians use to determine...

Foot Drop Treatment Using a Resistance Band

Want a quick fix to your foot drop problem?  This blog will share two techniques for helping lift your foot without using an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO).  These techniques are temporary and not meant as a long-term solution but are effective if done correctly. Please consult your physician or medical professional. They might have a better solution for you, like the SaeboStep. How to Select the Correct Length of Exercise Band To use this technique, you will need a 6-foot length or a 12-foot length of exercise band.  If you don’t have exercise bands, make sure to get some online; they’re very inexpensive.  You...

Neurotherapists: Stop shouldering the blame. It’s time to rethink electrode placement for treating subluxation.

Shoulder subluxation, defined as a partial or incomplete dislocation that usually stems from changes in the mechanical integrity of the joint (muscles, tendons, ligaments) is a common issue with hemiplegic stroke survivors. There are several protocols for treating subluxation, such as electrical stimulation, but it’s often done improperly due to misconceptions about what’s considered “standard practice.”  Studies suggest that the supraspinatus and posterior deltoid muscles are the primary muscles to target when using electrical stimulation. Contrary to popular belief, this may not be the case. This blog aims to revisit what we already know about subluxation and proximal migration and challenge traditional beliefs many of us have embraced...