Hi Katrina,
Unfortunately, it is common after a stroke to develop changes in muscle tone. Where are you feeling the stiffness? Is it your lower body, upper body or both?
Spasticity is one cause of muscle stiffness and occurs when muscles involuntarily contract (tighten) when you try to move your arm or leg. Sometimes, it can worsen over time if the muscles aren't moving much. Contractures can also develop after a stroke and cause stiffness in the arm or leg. Contractures occur when joints move very little over time, resulting in muscle shortening and joint stiffness.
Arms and legs will tend to get stiffer when you’re sitting for long periods so regular movement is the key. You’re already on the right track with gym, tai chi and yoga. We would suggest seeing a physio and possibly an occupational therapist to get a program that you can safely do on your own each day at home. You might be eligible to receive Medicare rebates to see private therapists – ask your GP about accessing them through a Chronic Disease Management Plan. Otherwise, you can be referred to your local community rehabilitation centre.
You could also discuss a referral to a spasticity clinic with your GP. Spasticity clinics are outpatient clinics that operate in a number of hospitals – a team of health professionals will generally be involved in assessing and managing the spasticity.
Here is a link to our spasticity podcast:
https://enableme.org.au/en/Community/Podcasts/How-spasticity-can-affect-you
In terms of fatigue, unfortunately this is also common after stroke. Unfortunately there is little research on the best way to manage it. Stroke survivors tend to try different strategies till they find what works for them and their situation. Gentle exercise can sometimes help increase your energy levels. If you are too fatigued to exercise though, you may need to just stop and rest or break up large tasks into smaller manageable steps and spread them out.
You may find these resources on fatigue helpful:
- Here is a link to our podcast:
https://enableme.org.au/Community/Podcasts/Fatigue
- Here are some conversations on fatigue that might be more useful:
https://enableme.org.au/Community/Forums/View-topic?id=c54ace0b-0e73-41da-8aab-043b176b6d95
https://enableme.org.au/Community/Forums/View-topic?id=d3063d5d-8055-4697-95dd-adaef3a3cde8
Practical ways to reduce fatigue
If you find any other ways that help you Katrina, I’m sure the enableme community would love to know.
If you have any other questions, please give us a ring on 1800 787 653. Simone is an occupational therapist and works Mondays-Wednesdays.
All the best,
Lisa (StrokeLine)