Debbie

I have developed a series of  exercises using large elastic bands which I have used daily, over the last 2 month's the improvement has been really positive. I could convey the exercises if Enable Me could help

I would encourage you continue with your activities, results may be slow at first but do not give up.

My friends are suprised at my improvement and I think that their encouragement has helped beyond words.

Keep up the work and good luck

Hello Debbie,

I don't know if you have a walking stick, but I used mine to stretch my arm a little at a time. 

I used a technique similar to this:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWrVK8xBTxI

Also used it while lifting my arm up in front until I could do it without the aid of the walking stick.  It gave me a lot of confidence. 

Four years on I still get my walking stick out and use it to get that extra stretch and lift when I feel tight.

Speak to your physio and ask them to show you so that you get what works for you.

Really wish you all the best Debbie, some days are really challenging but with perseverance you can get through this. Stay stubborn!

Tracey :)

Hi Debbie,

Here are some more comments from the Facebook community:

Duncan Mitchell It took me a long time to get my left arm going, being right handed didn't help because it was and still is too easy to compensate with my more dominate hand and arm but perseverance is key I think, regular work on the affected arm and I finally got there, start with small movements and work up from there, I found getting my shoulder moving helped click start the whole process and doing exercise with both hands like holding a brush handle like a set of weights helped me guide my left using the strength in my right, my left followed because I was holding the brush handle even just moving it sideways not necessary over my head helped stimulate movement. Good luck, small incremental improvements all add up have patients and never give up.

Linda Steuer It is 8 years after my two strokes and am working with a exercise physiologist either in her gym or in a pool and my strength in both hands is still increasing. So improvement can keep happening for a very long time. Keep going I am so happy

Marc McLean Get a tennis ball, hold the ball in your right hand, gently squeeze the ball in a rhythmic motion this increases blood flow to the forearm builds up strength and lets your brain learn to take over the function that was lost or reduced as a result of stroke damage, sit at the kitchen table with the ball on the table in front of you, place your hand flat on top of the ball and roll it gently back and forth, once you get used to this you could start rolling in circular motions, if you feel tired stop, take it easy don't push yourself or you will just get frustrated, wish you well stay safe.

John Cooper Hi Debbie. Keep working at it, amazing things can happen when you don’t give up. It takes time.

Helen Stibbs I had a lot of success with pulleys to get my arm right up above my shoulder. It seemed to take ages but eventually I was able to move it by itself without the pulley. Hang in there and don't give up!

Lou Mindyabiz Hi Debbie, I had my stroke in 1988...I worked until I couldn't work anymore...just do your best, a little at a time...NEVER STOP TRYING

Lee McKenna I work everyday on this never give up every. Minute of strengthening. Helps. The colder weather makes it challenging too. Keep trying

Robyne Artis Slow and steady wins the race. Good luck and stay strong.

Stagd Wright hey deb once an hour everyhour try to scratch your head just above your ear and take note as you just might surprise yourself down the track

Sharon Black I am having botox therapy to assist with movement

Tracey Lang One day at a time Debbie, you've got this ✌💖