Stroke Management

A stroke can affect the function of various parts of the body depending on the type of stroke and the extend of the damage caused by the stroke. Mostly, a stroke will affect one side of the body resulting in weakness or sometimes paralysis of the arm and leg. Spasticity, pain, reduced mobility and contractures can all be part of the post stroke journey. Custom or off the shelf bracing is essential to help regain or keep function in upper and lower affected extremities

Upper extremity

Shoulder brace

If a stroke affects the shoulder, it could be due to a combination of factors including muscle weakness which results in subluxation of the shoulder. A shoulder brace will help keep the shoulder in position and reduce pain experienced and help with rehabilitation and movement.

Resting Hand Splint

Post stroke spasticity of the hand and fingers might cause the hand to clench and limit the range of motion. In order to help prevent contractures a resting hand splint is used to keep the hand and fingers in position.

Lower extremity

KAFO (Knee Ankle Foot Orthosis)

Significant leg instability, paralysis or weakness post stroke especially when the knee is affected can benefit from the use of a custom KAFO to help with standing and walking. A KAFO can help improve your knee and ankle stability and over all mobility needed for daily living.

AFO (Ankle Foot Orthosis)

An custom AFO post stroke helps to control drop foot and prevent contractures caused due to muscle weakness. Drop foot is the inability to pull up the toes which results in a big fall risk and altered gait pattern. AFO options depend on what is needed for rehabilitation and what degree of stability must be achieved.

Drop Foot Splints

Post stroke drop foot with no ankle instability can benefit from braces that are less invasive than a custom AFO that needs to be worn inside a shoe. Drop foot can also be controlled by braces that assist in dorsiflexion of the foot. These types of braces fits over the outside of the shoe or combines a strap around the ankle and foot in order to pull up the forefoot when walking.