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Recovering from a stroke is no small feat, but with the right approach, regaining strength and mobility is entirely possible. At Realign Pro Physiotherapy, we are dedicated to guiding you through every phase of your rehabilitation journey. Our physiotherapists believe that a well-planned physical therapy program is crucial in helping you regain your independence and confidence. In this post, we’ll share five stroke recovery exercises tailored to enhance your recovery journey.

Why Are Stroke Recovery Exercises Important?

Strokes can disrupt normal brain functions, affecting movement, balance, and coordination. These challenges can make everyday tasks like walking or picking up objects incredibly difficult. Physical therapy after a stroke is essential because it helps retrain the body and brain, enabling you to restore lost functions. With dedication and consistency, these exercises can help you regain muscle strength, improve your balance, and restore abilities you might have thought were gone forever.

Top 5 Stroke Recovery Exercises

Below, we outline the best physio exercises after a stroke, each selected for its effectiveness in targeting areas typically affected by a stroke. Remember, it’s always important to work closely with a physiotherapist who can adapt these exercises to meet your specific needs.

1. Leg Raises for Improved Strength
   Leg raises are a beneficial exercise for building strength in the lower body, which can be critical for improving balance and mobility. This exercise targets muscles in the legs and hips, which are often weakened after a stroke.

How to Do It:

• Lie flat on your back and gently raise one leg while keeping the other leg bent.
• Hold the raised leg in the air for about 5-10 seconds, then slowly lower it back down.

Tip: Start with shorter durations and fewer repetitions, gradually increasing as your strength improves.

1. Shoulder Blade Squeezes for Upper Body Mobility
   Shoulder blade squeezes improve posture and upper body strength. This is particularly beneficial for those who have experienced weakness or stiffness in their shoulders and back after a stroke.

How to Do It:

• Sit up straight in a chair.
• Gently squeeze your shoulder blades together as if you’re trying to hold a pencil between them.
• Hold this position for 5 seconds, then release.

Tip: Aim for 10-15 repetitions, ensuring that each squeeze is slow and controlled.

1. Seated Marching for Balance
   Balance and coordination are commonly impacted following a stroke, making seated marching an excellent choice for regaining these functions. This exercise helps develop leg strength and core stability, essential for standing and walking.

How to Do It:

• Sit on the edge of a sturdy chair with your feet firmly flat on the floor.
• Gradually lift one knee towards your chest while keeping the other foot planted.
• Lower it back down and repeat with the other leg.

Tip: Keep your movements slow and controlled. Aim for 10-15 marches per side.

1. Arm Reaches for Improved Coordination
   Arm reaches are ideal for improving upper body mobility and coordination. They help re-establish the connection between the brain and arm movements, which can be particularly challenging after a stroke.

How to Do It:

• Sit or stand comfortably.
• Extend one arm out in front of you and gradually reach forward as far as you can.
• Return to the starting position and repeat with the other arm.

Tip: Repeat 10-12 times on each side, focusing on controlled, smooth movements.

1. Ankle Dorsiflexion for Walking Support
   Ankle dorsiflexion exercises help improve your ability to walk by strengthening the muscles that lift your foot. After a stroke, the muscles in your legs may not function as they did before, making this exercise particularly helpful.

How to Do It:

• Sit down with your legs straight in front of you.
• Flex your feet so that your toes point toward your head, and then relax back to the starting position.

Tip: Start with 10-15 repetitions, gradually increasing as your strength improves.

Making the Most of Your Stroke Physiotherapy Sessions

Steady progress is essential for effective recovery, and it’s crucial to stick with your exercise routine. Our physiotherapists tailor these exercises to fit your progress, ensuring that you’re both challenged and safe during each session. Remember, it’s always better to go slow and focus on proper form than to rush through the exercises.

In addition to these exercises, our stroke physiotherapy in Edmonton focuses on other aspects like flexibility training, gait improvement, and manual therapy to provide a comprehensive recovery plan. With each step forward, our team is here to support you, ensuring that you’re not just going through the motions but genuinely making progress.

Your Recovery, Our Commitment

Recovering from a stroke is a journey, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. At Realign Pro Physiotherapy, we aim to help you regain your strength and independence. Whether you’re just starting or looking to improve your current routine, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Reach out to Realign Pro Physiotherapy today to book a consultation and take the next step in your recovery journey. Let’s work together to help you achieve your rehabilitation goals.

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