What Should Exercise After Stroke Look Like?

Did you know that the American Stroke Association has an official published statement that says it recommends “physical activity and exercise prescription should be incorporated into the management of stroke survivors.” (Physical Activity and Exercise Recommendations for Stroke Survivors. Journal Stroke 2014). At Dedicated Therapy we agree with this. We know that people living with Stroke have such variable limitations after Stroke, that there is not a “one size fits all” recommendation for continuing with and exercise program after Stroke. There are survivors who have the ability to participate in solo or group exercise at community fitness centers. They can easily adapt exercise, if needed, to any mild deficits that they may have. However, a person who has significant physical limitations (one side that really doesn’t work well) may have trouble jumping into a program at a local gym. And, choosing to work with a Personal Trainer who does not have education and understanding of the impairments that result from Stroke can have mixed results.

Finding an exercise program that can be tailored to meet you where you are physically, and in terms of any thinking deficits you may have, is not easy. After a Stroke, there is a great emphasis on skilled rehabilitation to help with recovery, but not a lot of support to help you sustain gains or progress outside of those plans of care. At Dedicated Therapy we have developed Neuro Personal Training programs and continue to develop small group fitness classes to help meet that unmet need. We have exercise professionals who will administer a program designed and supervised by a Physical Therapist with a neuro specialty. So you can be sure that the exercise you are participating in will meet your goals.

Not sure what a program like this is about, just give us a call 864-203-3883. We are happy to answer any questions that you have.