Search the Hub

'How to Manage Spasticity After a Stroke' Summary: • Post-stroke spasticity can make it difficult to stretch, move and accomplish daily tasks. • Modifying your home, working with an occupational therapist, practicing daily exercises, and using mobility aids can help you manage spasticity. • Treatments, such as injections and medications, can help reduce long-term damage from spasticity. Interested? Read full Healthline article here

Hi @Mark - thanks for visiting this forum and for reaching out! How long do patients 'typically' spend with you? (Is the secure status aimed at a very acute/early rehab phase only, or can people spend longer there, prior to stepped-down care in the community/a community hospital?) Our service offers Level 1 and Level 2 rehab, with up to 6 months for the former (NHS England-funded) support. Interesting to hear of your preference for MOHO there (guessing MOHOST for outcome?) The OT team where I work tends to follow CMOP-E principles, although it's not explicitly referred to. Any of the above assessments stand out as potentials to add to your current range?

Hi @Alex, Thank you very much for reaching out! I work with individuals in the first 6 months after their brain injury (inpatient specialist rehab unit), so knowing some of the pathology is helpful to determine prognoses and recovery potential. But I totally agree with you on the medical model being very reductionist for long-term rehab. I always try to address discharge planning (and intervention) with a bio-psycho-social hat on! Especially when returning home adds social environmental factors back in - and dealing with long-term consequences of injury can impact on outlook and mental health. Thank you for the Karen Hammell, Mark Holloway and Donna Malley recommendations. It's great to have pointers like this, since online research on this specialism can become very overwhelming. I'll look them up! I'm finding communication deficits really hinder progress, especially for those with aphasia, whose first language isn't English! I'm drawing on our Speech and Language Therapists' knowledge whenever possible... Would you recommend any particular structured upper limb programmes for early stage recovery of sensation or motor control? Or any online resources/websites for general stroke/TBI rehab? Jamie

@Shawn Phipps could you share a few ideas, links or resources here? We loved your TED talk!

Case Study: Stroke Rehabilitation - Assessment and Upper Limb Intervention I first met 'Mr. M' on a stroke ward, when I assisted another occupational therapist with the patient’s self care (wet shaving). On discharge to the stroke discharge team, I led and co-facilitated Mr. M’s upper limb assessments, with regular visits to his home. I was then able to lead a home exercise programme (HEP) and shaving intervention, both of which were meaningful to him and focused on key skill deficits following his stroke. Read my case study here on the Hub (Plus+ Members)