Do you lean to your side or backwards after you had a stroke or traumatic brain injury? Then you need to watch this video.

If you or your patient had a stroke, you will often see that they don’t have a good sitting or standing balance. They will have a tendency to favor the stroke side or the affected side and lean towards it. This is what they call as Pusher syndrome. You might think that that is because that side is weaker but the most common cause for that is because of their perception of midline or balance is already off and usually we tend to go to that side and treat that side when in fact in this case we need to be correcting towards the opposite, stronger unaffected side.
Now let’s try to correct that problem and do the exercises with me.

First is sitting close to a wall preferably to a corner. And if you can, put a mirror close to it so you can see your reflection. You’re stronger side should be closest to the wall. We will practice to bring yourself towards it to correct your balance centers and improve your perception of the midline. Now if you can see yourself in the mirror you will notice that you are not at the midline. The mirror will provide you a visual feedback. Practice leaning towards the wall with your back upright for 30 seconds to a minute.

Second technique is sitting on a wedge. Place a wedge at the stronger side buttocks to exacerbate leaning to your affected side. Our natural tendency is to correct your posture back to the midline. Maintain this position for 30 seconds to a minute. And then remove the wedge and see if there is an improvement.

Third technique is reaching towards the unaffected side. You can use plastic cups or pens transferring from a lower surface to a higher surface.

The fourth rocking side to side. Bring both arms across your chest still sitting close to the wall, rock side to side.

The fifth exercise is rocking backandforth. Bring your arms across your chest and walk backandforth 10 times. This is also a good exercise for patients who has the tendency to lean backwards when they are sitting and much worse when trying to get up to stand up.

Check yourself in the mirror again and see if you’re sitting more upright and has improved your sitting balance.
#stroke #tbi #improvebalance

Therapy Wedge: https://amzn.to/3ISbXV4

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Disclaimer:
This video should not replace the necessity of visiting your doctor or getting your occupational therapy session done. Please consult your primary care physician before doing any of this. The video is for educational purposes only.

By performing any fitness exercises, you are performing them at your own risk. Skills and wellness will not be responsible or liable for any injury or harm you sustain as a result of our fitness program.

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