Stroke Rehabilitation: What is Neuroplasticity?

Neuroplasticity is the capacity of the brain to re-organize following injury. It is well known that we continue to learn thoughout life. This is the basis for which we can say that the brain has the ability to learn (or learn) movement after an injury. In rehab we rely heavily on activity dependent neuroplasticity. In short, this means that with new experience (for example picking up a cup with the weak arm) the brain has the capacity to learn this skill. This is much different than how we think about "muscle strengthening".

It is extremely important to understand the difference when approaching your rehabilitation program. This is the same mechanism for rehabilitation for multiple sclerosis, parkinsons disease, guillain barre syndrome, and many other neurologic conditions. Stop thinking about "strengthening" and start thinking about "learning". This will enable you to really take your rehab to the next level.

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[EmpowermentAvenue]

This is important, "Stop thinking about "strengthening" and start thinking about "learning"". I'm s 16 years post stroke. This is hope, Thank you!

[Adriana-ueqg]

You are a great inspiration for me!! Thank so much for being a great professional and most important - a great human being! It brings me hope to see that there are still people who care about doing a great job and helping others without having money as their main goal. Thank you!

[anvem]

I just love you!!!
My mom had a massive brain stem stroke.. locked in syndrome. 9 months ago..
She's now learning to walk.. is on a regular diet and continues to make progress..
Blessings..

[zitaorosz]

Strength training can also be combined with relearning. I had a relearning experience during pulling snd pushing weights holding onto a grab bar with both hands. While I was performing this activity my paralyzed hand relearned how to hold onto the the grab bar along with pulling and pushing to move the weight.

[susiehemsworth]

Thanks for explaining, I'm beginning to get it.

[nolaigmckaigney]

we are so blessed to have your vast expertise

[calmstormambience]

Thanks, I had a stroke on my left and right frontal lobes from covid. It's a year now. I'm strong, working hard keeping my head intact, don't drink, fully recovered, however I'm still slurring in my speech. I'm new, could you refer to one of your link videos? thank you ❤️

[mayosndshot]

Hi i am 4 years post stroke, hemmoraghic stroke I stopped therapy and im planning to go back this january its great to see this video for me to do it at home.

[sunshinehappy]

Dr. Tara, thank you for your deep explanations. They really help to bring sense into the exercises and all the new clinical information on the road to recovery. 🤗🙋‍♀️🙏

[timothywoolsey]

Wow. It makes sense now. Thank YOU!!!

[alisonquadros]

Loved this video understood somuch more from this

[bryanb]

EXCELLENT EXPLANATION Dr. TOBIAS, THANK YOU FOR GIVING ME HOPE THAT I'll be able to walk without a cane again...

[kuyajhin]

as a 30 yr old who suffered with a hemmoragic stroke and obtained ABI this videos gives me ideas to try stuffs out of the box

[livingwithoutlimitswithkar]

Thank you for the video. I totally agree that changing habits is what makes the difference.

[howardjones]

Thank you your insight and knowledge is much appreciated and well presented

[nandaninagarathne]

Very interesting. I will follow in order. Ater i will narrate my story

[michaelgoldman]

I have PD, at 84, so I could not play golf or pickleball.
I was single digit handicap.
In Florida I was going for a 4.0 player in pickleball.
I also have.RA . I was gym rat for more 35 years.
Had a TKR on right knee.
My right toe nail cut though my slippers.
I was a national ranked tennis in my late 30’s into my 40’s.
So, finally I went to see a neurologist at Stony Brook University on the North Shore of Long Island,
.
Will I ever be just to play lousy golf.
I .can not find your you tube video with the black slant board exercises,
because I walk on outside edge of right foot. Thanks. MPG
.

[jeffmills]

I have learned regardless motor, memory, abstract, if it is not repeated it will wither and go away.

[jorgecuevas]

Tara thanks for being a great guide in our process I used strength to learn new movements for instance I use theraband to teach my arm how to raise up above my head and it's working for me I will say a get and upgrade my range of motion every month doing the exercises 1 time a week for 1.5 hours in series of 4 with 15 repetition same thing for my leg and ankle dorsiflexion

[abdelhakimbenhannoun]

Thank you so much ma'am ! You are a treasure