Every stroke SURVIVOR is different. That is why each of us requires individual physical therapy.
My therapist suggested various exercises to me. I did them at home religiously. I even had a balance barre installed, so I could challenge my balance safely. When I’d “mastered” them, I went back for a reassessment and a fresh set of exercises.
I use a single point cane most of the time, though sometimes I use a walker. Assistive devices are just that — they assist. We shouldn’t lean on them. We need to stand up and use them only to help us establish a sense of balance. I can lose my sense of vertical, which causes me to fall over like a tree. If I feel the change in pressure on my cane or walker, however, I can sometimes straighten up before I go down. It is scary to say that I haven’t fallen in over a year. Feels like it means I’ll fall soon.
I’m hoping to start a new round of physical therapy soon. I will keep getting stronger and more capable as long as I work at it. I work at it every day. From walking 5 minutes away from home then back, I’m now able to roam for miles most days. I keep working on it, but I’ve accepted that my balance is likely to be “wonky” for the rest of my life. |
