Adaptive equipment helps stroke patients experience greater independence with everyday life skills or activities of daily living. There is a plethora of assistive devices for all areas of self care including dressing, bathing, grooming, cooking, feeding, toileting, and mobility aids. Most people, understandably, want to retain the habit of  performing everyday self-care tasks independently on their own.  Fortunately, daily tasks become easy, comfortable and painless with only slight alterations made during various tasks. See below for some helpful adaptive equipment that can transfor ..read more

  Da Silva Ribeiro NM, Ferraz DD, Pedreira E, et.al.  Topics in Stroke Rehabilitation 2015; 22: 299-305.   This study compared the use of the Wii Nintendo to a conventional physical therapy program to improve both sensorimotor activity (measured by the total Fugl-Meyer assessment score) and quality of life (measured using the SF-36).  Thirty stroke survivors were randomly assigned to either group and all participants received two hourly sessions for each of two months.   Find Virtual Reality/Computerized Gaming Devices   Evaluat ..read more

When a stroke patient returns home, the home environment can impact a person’s recovery. The home includes the social and cultural environment such as the people who live there, as well as the physical aspects of the home such as steps and layout. It is important that the home environment be one that supports continuing recovery and safety for the patient. This article is intended to provide basic information to stroke survivors and their families about potential problems with the physical aspects of the kitchen. The effects of a stroke are different for everyone, depending on the part of the ..read more

    Course Title:   Electrical Stimulation for Stroke Recovery. A review of evidence-based clinical considerations.   Overview:   This AOTA approved online self-study continuing education class will introduce you to evidence-based practice surrounding electrical stimulation to the stroke population. The online class is intended for medical professionals (e.g. OT/OTA, PT/PTA, Physicians, etc.) directly related to the rehabilitation of a patient or client. To participate in this CEU and receive credit, the participant must be a licensed, treating clinician. Complet ..read more

  Winstein CJ, Wolf SL, Dromerick AW, et al. JAMA 2016;315(6):571-581.   This clinical trial recruited 361 participants, approximately 45 days post-stroke with mild to moderate impairments, for upper extremity retraining in order to improve functional use of the impaired upper extremity. Participants received either a new problem solving approach, Accelerated Skill Acquisition Program (ASAP) for 30, 1 hour sessions, Dose Equivalent Usual Customary Care (DEUCC), or Usual and Customary Care which varied from 0-46 hours. Findings demonstrated that all three groups improved in function ..read more

Improving Dynamic Balance Following Neurological Injury     Overview:   This AOTA approved continuing education class will introduce you to efficacous evidence-based interventions that drive neuroplastic change resulting in improved balance following neurological injury. The online class is intended for medical professionals (e.g. OT/OTA, PT/PTA, Physicians, etc.) directly related to the rehabilitation of a patient or client. To participate in this CEU and receive credit, the participant must be a licensed, treating clinician. Completion of this course will reward the ..read more

Stroke Shoulder Simplified. Demystifying subluxation, pain and stiffness.       Overview:   This AOTA approved online self-study continuing education class will introduce you to evidence-based practice surrounding stroke shoulder including what it is, why it occurs and latest treatment interventions. The online class is intended for medical professionals (e.g. OT/OTA, PT/PTA, Physicians, etc.) directly related to the rehabilitation of a patient or client. To participate in this CEU and receive credit, the participant must be a licensed, treating clinician. Completion of th ..read more

Stroke Hand Simplified Evidence-Based Strategies to Help Restore, Rewire and Recover       Register Now     Salia Rehab is an AOTA Approved Provider of professional development. Course approval ID# 6686. This Distance Learning – Independent activity is offered at .125 CEUs, intermediate level, Occupational Therapy Service Delivery. The assignment of AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA or indicate AOTA approval of a certification or other professional recognition.         Course ..read more

Suffering from a neurological injury such as stroke can be a long and hard battle. Having the right team in place can make a significant impact on the success of one’s recovery. Being comfortable with one’s clinical team can set patients up for great success. Health professional building that immediate trust is key to a positive outcome.   Listed below are 6 ways clinicians can build trust with stroke survivors   1. Empathize. Assure your patients that you are listening and support them during this season. Many patients suffer from physical and psychosocial limitations. Both deserve ..read more

Shoulder pain resulting from stroke hemiplegia is a common clinical consequence. Hemiplegic shoulder pain can occur as early as two weeks post-stroke but an onset of two to three months is more typical. Frozen shoulder, pain and weakness can negatively affect rehabilitation outcomes as good shoulder function is a prerequisite for successful transfers, maintaining balance, effective hand function, and performing ADL’s activities of daily living.     Course Title:   Stroke Shoulder Simplified. Demystifying Subluxation, Pain and Stiffness     AOTA APPROVED CEU   &nbs ..read more