A stroke, also known as a Cerebral Vascular Accident (CVA) results from a lack of oxygen to a specific part of the brain, typically due to a blood clot or a bleed in one of the blood vessels. Results may be wide spread and could include communication issues, cognitive/comprehension problems and a range of movement related conditions.
Common movement issues include lower extremity extensor tone; which is displayed through high muscle spasticity or tone in the extensor muscles of the leg and lower extremity making it very difficult to bend the ankle, knee and hip. Likewise, numerous individuals also display upper extremity flexor tone; which is high muscle spasticity in the flexor muscles of the arm and shoulder making it difficult to straighten the fingers, wrist and elbow and to elevate the shoulder.
Treatment involves working with the individual to “break” out of these tone positions through numerous hands-on techniques and acquisition of ever challenging positions and movements. Orthopedic treatment methods may also be used to assist proper joint motion, soft tissue pliability and pain relief.
