Stroke OT

07/14/2025

Check out more of our tips for using your affected hand during kitchen tasks! In this video, we share some tips for mixing food items in a bowl and incorporating the affected hand.

You can try…

✅ Stabilizing
✅ Mixing with both hands
✅ Adding shelf liner under the bowl
✅ Building up the handle so it’s easier to hold

Try it out, and get your affected hand moving!

06/25/2025

Looking for ways to use your affected arm and hand around your home? Try out these tasks using our tips!

🚰Turning on the faucet to fill a water cup

💡Turn on a light switch (a good one if you have trouble with moving your hand - you just need to reach the light with your arm!)

❄️Open your the refrigerator

⚡️For each of these tasks, you can use your unaffected hand to help as much or as little as you want to. The main goal is to use your affected side in your daily routine to prevent learned nonuse!

🚫Learned nonuse happens when you stop using or moving your affected side during daily tasks. If we’re being honest, moving your affected arm and hand after a stroke is very challenging and can make tasks take longer. BUT building opportunities into your day with some of the tasks in this video can help prevent or reverse learned nonuse one small step at a time. Try to keep moving and don’t forget about your affected side!

06/16/2025

After a stroke, many people struggle with having a tight arm and hand (high tone) or an upper limb that tightens up when they start to move (spasticity). This video gives some helpful tips for stretching and managing high tone and spasticity for stroke survivors!
Remember:
✅Never stretch to the point of sharp pain - listen to your body
✅Check with your therapist and/or doctor to ensure you do not have any movement restrictions
✅Consistency is 🔑 - stretch frequently and throughout the day

05/20/2025

May is Stroke Awareness Month! Join the StrokeOT community this Saturday at the Barnes Nature Center for an accessible nature walk, live music, raffles, snacks, and more!

📅Event date: May 24, 2025 (Rain date May 25)

🕒Event Time: 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

📍Location: Barnes Nature Center, 175 Shrub Road, Bristol, CT 06010

Sign up here: https://m.signupgenius.com/ #!/showSignUp/60B0F48ACAC2AA4FB6-56264620-strokeot

05/17/2025

Spread the word: BNC and StrokeOT are collaborating on an exciting project! We'll be hosting a number of environmental education programs on the Wallace Barnes Accessible Nature Trail, specifically for stroke survivors.

Join us on Saturday, May 24th for a FREE introduction to this ongoing, monthly program.

Sign-up to attend this event HERE -> https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0F48ACAC2AA4FB6-56264620-strokeot?useFullSite=true #/

This program will include…

👩‍🦼A tour of the Wallace Barnes Accessible Nature Trail led by a member of The Barnes Memorial Nature Center.

🐸Simultaneous indoor nature presentation for non-walkers led by a member of The Barnes Memorial Nature Center.

🎁Silent bidding on gift baskets. Proceeds will benefit StrokeOT and The Barnes Memorial Nature Center.

🍪Light concessions available for purchase. Proceeds will benefit StrokeOT and The Barnes Memorial Nature Center.

This event will take place on Saturday, May 24th, from 1:00PM to 4:00PM.

05/17/2025

HUGE shoutout to StrokeOT’s own Carolyn Brown, the recipient of this year‘s American Stroke Association Stroke Equity Hero Award! Carolyn has been working for years to improve the equity of healthcare for stroke survivors and has made a significant impact for this well-deserving population. Congratulations Carolyn, we are so proud of you!

Check out the links below to hear more about Carolyn's story!

https://www.stroke.org/en/help-and-support/stroke-heroes/stroke-hero-awards/equity-hero

https://newsroom.heart.org/news/7-stroke-advocates-recognized-nationwide-for-resilience-and-community-impact

https://youtu.be/JucLgkl7mCg?si=qC8pYf5slLiSTsuD

The Stroke Hero Awards honor those who are educating, inspiring and bringing awareness to stroke in seven categories. Carolyn Brown is the winner of the 2025...

05/08/2025

Do you have a hard time safely moving items from room to room in your house after your stroke? Do you want to be more independent with navigating your home and carrying items? Here are some tips from StrokeOT!

05/01/2025

I am honored to have received this year‘s AHA Stroke Equity Award. It wouldn’t have been possible without the support from the Board of Directors, dedicated volunteers, our leading sponsor Microtransponder, Inc., and supporting sponsors: The Petit Family Foundation, Dr. Matthew Raymond, and BJ’s foundation.

The honoree promotes the goal of equitable health in their work with those at risk for stroke, stroke survivors and stroke caregivers. The 2025 award goes to...

04/25/2025

Looking for more ideas for how to use your affected hand in the kitchen? Here are some tips from StrokeOT!

04/18/2025

Have you heard of weight-bearing exercises for your affected arm after a stroke?

Did you know...
-Weight-bearing is a great way to stretch the arm and hand?
-OR that weight-bearing helps wake up the muscles along the entire arm and hand?

Check out this video from StrokeOT for some tips and education on weight-bearing exercises!

04/11/2025