Neuroplasticity and stroke recovery

What is neuroplasticity and what role does it play in stroke recovery? The brain is an extremely complex part of the body, made up of billions of cells, called neurons. A stroke, however, can cause damage to neurons and their pathways, which causes impairments and deficits in functions of the brain. Fortunately, the brain has […]

Supporting someone with aphasia

It is estimated that 20-40% of stroke survivors will have some type of aphasia with varying degrees of impact in communication abilities. In this article we reviewed the different types of aphasia, and here we go over some tips that you may find useful when caring for a stroke survivor with aphasia. Stroke survivors with […]

7 goals to add to your recovery plan

Recovery after a stroke isn’t just about the physical aspect of getting your strength and mobility back. Our minds are so powerful they can hold us back or push us forward, which is why you should include some of these goals in your recovery plan: Be kind to yourself You’ll have highs and lows, days […]

Coping with uncertainty after a stroke

Uncertainty can be a large part of the stroke recovery journey. After a stroke, you may find yourself asking questions about what comes next, when will you regain your strength and mobility, why did this happen, and more. Every stroke is different and every recovery journey is different — there is no right or wrong […]

Disability after a stroke

Every year, 15 million people around the world are affected by stroke. Of those, it is estimated 50% will live with permanent or chronic disability. The physical and mental effects of surviving a stroke can significantly impact a survivor’s chances of recovery, mental wellbeing, and future life plans such as going back to work, traveling, […]

Changes in behavior after a stroke

Changes in behavior after a stroke are common, expected and treatable. Stroke survivors will usually experience changes in mood, depression, frustration, and anxiety, among others. Having a stroke is traumatic and our bodies and minds react to that trauma. Stroke survivors and caregivers alike should be aware of these behavior changes and seek support from […]

Constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT)

Rehabilitation of upper limbs can look very different for many people. However, constraint-induced movement therapy (or CIMT) is frequently used as a therapy to re-learn to use the affected limb.  Constraint-induced movement therapy basically means limiting the use of the less affected limb in order to force the brain and more affected limb to work […]

Telehealth during quarantine

Since lockdown started, pretty much everything in our lives changed. Our entire routine was thrown out of the window and we had to suddenly adjust to a new way of doing things. The only thing that has not changed, and is in fact more pressing now than ever, is getting access to health services — […]

YouTube channels for rehabilitation exercises

For many stroke survivors getting in to see a physical therapist is difficult and sometimes just not a possibility at all. Thankfully there are great Youtube channels available with plenty of videos full of exercises you can do at home — here are some of the best ones: American Heart Association The AHA is one […]

Team involved in stroke rehabilitation — who are they?

For many people stroke rehabilitation begins at the hospital, usually as soon as you’re awake. There is a wide array of medical professionals involved in the rehabilitation process — in this article we will introduce them and give you an overview of what they’re there to help with. Primary care doctors and nurses This is […]