Here are Nine Easy Hand Exercises for Post-Stroke Recovery!

 Millions of people worldwide experience a stroke every year, and thousands of these individuals face long-term effects as a result. Indeed, it is a common problem for people between the ages of 55 and 65.

Also called a cerebrovascular accident, a stroke is a type of brain damage caused by an interruption in its blood flow. It occurs when a blockage or bleed of the blood vessels either interrupts or reduces the blood supply to the brain. When this happens, the brain does not receive enough oxygen or nutrients, and its cells began to die. It ranges from mild to severe and can be deadly in some cases.

Symptoms of Stroke

Almost all stroke survivors experience at least some physical effects. These effects—which include motor and sensory impairments—can significantly impair the ability to walk, work, or even simple daily perform activities (such as bathe, wear clothes, or get out of bed).

The symptoms of stroke vary depending upon the area of the brain affected by a lack of oxygen. However, they typically arise suddenly and most commonly occur on one side of the body. Symptoms and signs of stroke can include:

• Headache, nausea, and vomiting
• Trouble speaking and understanding speech
• Dimness, especially in one eye or loss of vision
• Confusion and changes in the level of consciousness
• Loss of balance, strength, coordination, and sensation
• Weakness or numbness on one side of the face, arm, or leg

Hand Exercises for Post-Stroke Recovery

A stroke can often rob an individual of basic hand movement, making daily tasks such as moving the hand forward or grasping and releasing objects seem like insurmountable obstacles. However, performing basic hand exercises at home, combined with a consultation from the best rehabilitation center in Bangalore can help reclaim strength and restore normal function to the hands.

Here is a list of helpful hand exercises for stroke recovery:

1. Palm Up and Down

 

• Place the hand palm-down on a table. Then, use the non-affected hand to turn the palm up.
• Repeat: Palm up, palm down.

 

2.            Wrist Bend Movement

 

• For the next exercise, gently bring movement into the wrist.
• While keeping the elbow on the table, place the non-affected hand on the palm to stretch the affected hand at the wrist.
• Stretch backward, then forward. Perform this movement slowly and in a pain-free range.

 

3.            Wrist Side Movement

 

• This exercise provides a different movement for the wrist, in a side-to-side direction. Place the affected hand on the table with the palm down.
• Use the non-affected hand to slide the affected hand to the left, then to the right. 
• Repeat slowly side to side.

 

4.            Rolling Movement

 

• Place a water bottle in your affected hand and keep your hand and fingers relaxed.
• Curl your fingers and grasp the water bottle in your hand, and then release back down. 
• Repeat the movement several times.

 

5.            Wrist Curl

 

• Hold the water bottle in the affected hand and use the non-affected hand to support the arm.
• Allow the wrist to stretch down, and then curl the wrist up.
• Repeat up and down slowly.

 

6.            Grip and Release

 

• Place a pen on one side of the table. Now grip it with the affected fingers.
• Then slide the pen across the table, and release.
• Focus on gripping the pen gently.
• Repeat by sliding the pen back across the table, keeping the forearm on the table.

 

7.            Pen Spin

 

• Place the pen on the table and use the thumb and fingers to spin it.
• Stabilize the elbow on the table to prevent the use of the shoulder during this movement. Focus on the isolation of the thumb and fingers.

 

8.            Coin Drop

 

• Start by placing eight coins in a row in the palm of the affected hand. Use the thumb to move one coin to grip with the index finger and thumb.
• Then, place the coin onto the table while keeping the other coins in your hand using your other fingers.
• Once done, reverse the exercise to pick them back up.

 

9.            Finger Curl

• Try to touch each fingertip to the thumb.
• Pinch and release starting with the index finger, moving to the middle finger, then ring finger, and finally the little finger.

Wrapping Up!

The key to effectively regain movement in the hands is to practice these exercises regularly. However, you can also seek expert treatment from the best rehabilitation center in Bangalore for a quick and effective recovery. A combination of both will help you return to your highest level of functioning in no time!