madfit

Hi,

Please, please go back! Take it from one who knows. It does payoff.
My right arm was totally paralyzed when I had my stroke 4 years ago at age 55.

You might try a variation of the official name is: "Myofacial Release". When I was in outpatient rehab about 6 months after my stroke, I had an occupational therapist who performed “myofacial release” on me.

What it is, is the massaging of the muscles in the arm which over a time loosens the muscles thus not causing pain. Ask about it where you receive therapy.

You can start at home. I'll try to explain. And trust me, after the muscles loosen up a bit you won't feel any pain. If you have someone at home who can assist you here's how it goes.

Have them massage the whole arm: the shoulder, the elbow, the wrist, the hand. Try doing it every day, or at least 3 or 4 times a week for about 15 or 20 minutes. By massaging the whole arm and all the sections of the arm I have described, the muscles will eventually loosen up, so that your arm will not be in the "stroke position" if you know what I mean and won’t hurt when using it.

This should be done lying down on a bed. The affected arm should be near the end of the bed so that she can work with it. When the shoulder and arm begin loosening up, have your assistant pull the arm up and try to pull it as far as it will go. Keep doing this, it might take several weeks or possibly a couple of months, but it does work.

After you have accomplished this, you’ll be able to do some terrific exercises I have for each finger, so that you’ll be able to flex them easily as well as building strength.

Above all, never lose hope and keep exercising, please! Keep in touch and let me know how you’re doing.
Madeline