Many people who suffer from a stroke lose hope and resign themselves to their “new normal.” But it doesn’t have to be this way. Here are some important recovery ideas:
◆ Heal the brain, heal the body. When the brain is deprived of oxygen-rich blood during a stroke, it leads to brain damage. Although this damage cannot be reversed, it is possible to train other parts of the brain to take over specific tasks. This process is called neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity allows healthy parts of the brain to pick up the slack, thus helping to regain lost functions, such as movement and speech.
◆ Repetition helps activate neuroplasticity. In order to recover from a stroke, your brain needs a lot of repetition of exercises to successfully rewire itself and heal. The more repetitions performed, the more functions, such as your mobility, will improve. But this doesn’t just apply to exercise. You can also regain most abilities (language and memory)
by practicing these skills.
◆ Stimulate key areas of the brain. Alternative therapies such as acupuncture can stimulate key areas of the brain, helping to improve mobility and sensory issues. It can also help with fine motor skills, swallowing, balance, speech and vision.
◆ Believe in recovery. Our biggest obstacle is ourselves. Remember that recovery only stops when we stop believing in recovery!
NEEDLES OF HOPE
1314 S. King St., Ste. 1050, Honolulu, HI 96814
808-450-2527 | kathy@needlesofhope.com
www.needlesofhope.com
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