“There is rehab in everything we do,
A simple comment yet it stopped me in my tracks.
During a recent ZOOM meeting with clinicians and Stroke Survivors, we were discussing the many forms that rehab can take following a stroke.
This sage comment ‘There is rehab in everything we do,” \{by Meredith\} encapsulated our prior discussions in a remarkably simple and erudite fashion.
Because Thrill Seekers and Fellow Time Travellers, rehab [in my mind anyway] is routines which replicate everyday tasks or movements that focus on exercising a specific set of muscles, etc.
We then, emboldened by the simplicity of this comment listed a range of mundane tasks which we collectively used as rehab routines, e.g.
Hanging and taking down the washing - Helps with reaching exercises and focuses on improving the use of the hand and fingers.
Filling and emptying the dishwasher-Ideal for exercising the effected hand. One of the members of the group [Julie\} added that she did squats whilst tending to the dishwasher.
Gardening- Tilling the soil, planting those wonderful seeds that will provide luscious tomatoes or those tasty runner beans; ridding your plants of those annoying weeds; hosing the plants in the cool of the summer afternoon.
Washing the family automobile—Using the hose and the sponge to bring out the lustre and sheen of the family car. Great for exercising the arm, shoulder, and hand.
Walking- A personal favourite- my route contains ups, downs, and a slope so it is a challenge, not flat and level terra firma.
A bonus for me is halfway in my walk is the Panania Railway Station with stairs up and across the 2 platforms- in total 240 steps and so in my morning walk I have achieved my daily stepping target!
A bonus for me is halfway in my walk is the Panania Railway Station with stairs up and across the 2 platforms- in total 240 steps and so in my morning walk I have achieved my daily stepping target!
And so [what would my High School teacher think -starting a sentence with “And”] the list could go on and once you start.
What we are doing is giving rehab some extra meaning, you are performing useful tasks rather than just performing simple exercises which have little relevance.
My message to Stroke Clinicians- when you are developing a rehab plan give the exercise some attribution, some relevance in the survivor’s daily routine.
My message to Stroke Survivors- when you are given a set of rehab exercises, think about how you can integrate is into you daily Post Stroke life,
My thanks go to Meredith, Julie, Dina, Kevin. Benny for their contribution, energy, and input to a great and memorable ZOOM meeting. A splendid example of clinicians and Stroke Survivors collaborating!
Brian A Beh, Stroke Survivor
Lifelong Member of the Hopalong Cassidy Fan Club
Poet, Philosopher and Child of the Cosmos
Winner "Improving Life After Stroke" Category
Stroke Foundation of Australia 2021 National Awards.