Arm and Hand Exercises for Stroke Rehab

Like me, many stroke survivors have weakness in their arm or hand. It is important to exercise the muscles so they don't get tight. This can be painful and can impede recovery.

Here is an article about Arm and Hand Exercises for Stroke Rehab:  here

Here are some videos of arm and hand exercises. Please check with your doctor or Occupational Therapist and ask if these are the right exercises for you. Some of the videos show caregivers helping with the exercises.

Some of the exercises can be done either sitting or lying down on your back.

Post-Stroke Exercises (Part 1: Upper Limb)

• by SingaporeHealth

Arm Range Of Motion (Shoulder, Elbow, Wrist, Hand)

• by physicaltherapyvideo

Top 3 Stretches for a Tight Shoulder.

• by physicaltherapyvideo

Exercise For Stroke Patients, (For The Arms)

by physicaltherapyvideo

Shoulder Passive Range of Motion Exercises - Ask Doctor Jo

• by AskDoctorJo

Acupunture

Together, Acupuncture and exercise help me to feel better.  I have gone to three Acupuncturists since my stroke.  I did not see improvement from the first two but Dr. Chi has made a difference in the way I feel.  She combines exercise and acupuncture so that I have seen increased movement in my arm.  I can't be positive but since starting to see Dr. Chi I, and my family and friends have also seen a real improvement in my speech.   Dr. Chi has treated many stroke patients and  she consistently shows her compassion for her patients. Here is a link to the website for Dr. Ching Ching Chi: here.


I always get my doctors' approval before signing up for therapies or classes.  It's important that they know and approve of what I'm doing to improve my condition.  I also think that it's in my best interest to bring up new ideas rather than waiting for my doctors' recommendation.  

Going to two different acupuncturists and not getting any results taught me a lesson about asking for references.  Ask for references from your doctors and physical therapists.  They can help you to find trustworthy effective treatments.  Also ask your fellow patients.  Dr. Chi, my acupuncturist, was referred to me by a member of the stroke survivor group that I attend.  

To start your search in finding an acupuncturist in your area, try "googling" the following:  Traditional Chinese Medicine stroke   "your city and state"

Below is a link to a portion of one of my recent acupuncture sessions with Dr. Chi:

Also below is a link to a trailer of an inspiring short film on various methods in stroke recovery for one man and his family, "9000 Needles".  

Sit and Be Fit DVD

"Mary Ann's functional choreography and dynamic music make this workout a hit!   All exercises are done sitting in a chair. Workout includes both upper and lower body
movements." ~ Editorial Reviews
You can find it at Amazon.
PBS station guide to see when SIT AND BE FIT will be airing on your local PBS station.  To find a PBS station and channel in your area check here.

Adaptive Physical Education Programs - San Jose

These programs provide exercise classes for people with post-stroke.  Fees are based on college tuition.

De Anza College
Evergreen Valley College
West Valley College

Timpany Pool - San Jose State University

"The Timpany Center is a non-profit therapeutic facility providing a 92° warm-water pool and 102° spa. Both the pool and spa have zero-foot entry, with accessible ramps and small steps. Wheelchairs and walkers are available to use for easy pool and spa entry and transfer."
"The Timpany Center is located next to Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, off Moorpark Avenue near Highways 280 and 17 in San Jose, California."  ~SJSU Timpany Center web

Resistance Bands Exercise

Aylio resistance bands set, which comes with four bands, a pair of soft-grip handles, a pair of ankle straps, and a door attachment.  This Resistance Bands Exercise find it at Amazon.

Dycem Non-Slip Roll

This Dycem Non-Slip Roll find it at Amazon

O