Why Does Hand Recovery Take So Long After Stroke?

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Thanks to everyone who voted in my last poll! I’m dedicating the next few videos to answering your questions about hand function and recovery after stroke. The question “when will my hand function again?” is one I get a lot. And while most of the time I have to answer, “It depends,” there are some reasons why hand function is usually slower to return than arm or leg movement after a stroke. And it has to do with our anatomy and a process called neuroplasticity.

I hope this video helps answer the question for you! Leave me a comment and let me know:)

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*Note: New research is mixed on the possibility of neurogenesis (or the process of forming new brain cells) in adulthood (including after stroke). Many of the studies have only been completed in animals. Neurogenesis is common in childhood but decreases with age. If you're interested in reading more, check out some of the links below:

Does the Adult Brain Really Grow New Neurons?

Neurogenesis: A Therapeutic Perspective

Time Stamps
0:00 Intro
0:13 Anatomy and Hand Function
1:39 Neuroplasticity and Hand Function
3:36 Outro
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Medical Disclaimer: All content on this channel is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to serve as a substitute for medical advice or treatment from a physician or qualified healthcare provider. Talk to your doctor before starting a new exercise or therapy regimen.

[upagain]

Thank you. I'm on a journey with my mom who is currently in rehab. I won't give up on her. And I'm so grateful you help us with the tools to help us along the way.

[mgee]

Alas, I appreciate your encouraging words. I'm 6 years into trying to get my fingers to start working after a stroke. It is taking a very long time

[heatherg-thatsme]

Several times in inpatient rehab and also from my neurologist after I got out I was told the body makes priorities after a stroke. In the wild we would need to be able to move for safety and to get foodmore than we would need our hand. They told me that our bodies put the primary focus on the leg recovery in the early stages, and the hand if it comes back will be later on. I just reached my one-year mark and hoping that now that I’m walking much better that I can turn that focus to my hand

[kathleen]

Wow, I only subscribed about 2 weeks ago and I'm really glad and grateful I did. I really want to validate your brilliant and creative approach and how you present the information. I have viewed other podcasts and I find your teaching and training methods and ability, to be the most effective and enlightening for me. I had a stroke on 17 July 2021. I can walk pretty well, although there is some weakness and loss of feeling in my left leg. My biggest challenge is my left hand. I went to rehab twice a week for about 3 months post stroke and did a lot of work at home. Rehab actually discharged me saying I was doing great, and you've done everything we've put you through well, although I still had some numbness in my left hand. Over the months though my left hand has gradually increased in numbness and decreased in function. Admittedly I did less rehab exercises with the hand but I didn't think it would go in reverse to this extent. What are your thoughts and recommendations? Please keep up your fantastic work! With great admiration, Frank

[markhalliar]

thanks for your video. I'm almost 3 years post stroke and sometimes get a little frustrated with slow prgress. Keep them coming!

[rhumball]

Hi, thank you for your videos, sharing your expertise and exercises. I had a stroke in 2017, i lost mobility on my right side. i can walk now, and yes, the hand/wrist/arm is tough tough. Thank you for your positive words. i will not give up. One day i will remove all this spasticity and play piano again. Please share more exercises for hand, wrists, etc. I really cant afford going to see therapy every week 😭.

[mrstevek]

Thank you for explaining this, nobody’s ever done that. I thought there was something wrong with me ❤️

[ShylieKay]

Great explanation, thank you. My attending neuro said something similar after mine almost 8 yrs ago. He said imagine you're in Denver, and you work downtown, but your route is under construction, so you'll have to find a new way to get there. Made so much sense. Thank you guys, for putting things into ideas stroke patients can wrap our heads around. My hand strength came back fairly soon, thank goodness, but the sensation has never fully returned. That left hand still randomly turns back into a "flipper" I call it. Fairly useless on a bad day.

[paulafuller-cheek]

Thank you so much for this video. I have been getting frustrated/worried about my hand recovery, I am 3 mos post stroke. 🙏🏻✝️🙏🏻❤ Praying for full recovery.

[timkson]

Thanks very much. It's really helpful I wish I knew that earlier Yeah, you're absolutely right I don't see the result after i've done all those things but One day I feel I get a lot better

[nileshhindlekar]

I find your videos pretty straight forward and useful.

[yganoks]

Hi dr. Newland, you answered my question. Thanks for sharing your informative videos.
Watching from Melbourne, Australia 🇦🇺

[ahmedelhanafi]

This woman is definitely smart. Makes me feel like "keep going on with exercise "

[diannebalemi]

Thanks for your exercise help for the last 11 mths, I live isolated so can only see a physio once a month. I am walking with a brace and stick, but no hand control yet, so this was encouraging. Hope springs eternal!Thank you again.

[oumarneville]

Wow, I learned a whole lot from this episode, now I know that in me wanting to do something and putting in the effort cells in my body around that affected area is also in the struggle to make the end means possible. I appreciate you Doctor.

[CyraDeLeon.]

Hi. Im from Philippines, i always watch your videos. Im 3 months stroke in my right arm. I still feel numb and my fingers is hurt, but i can hold and rigth a little. Im still hoping that soon i will fully recovered. 😥

[PameloveD]

Thank you so much. I look forward to more videos on this.

[ma.cristinaceles]

I'M 3yrs stroke my walking is still improving and so my hands I am following the exercises that you uploaded. Thanks.

[JudyRodney]

I had a stroke last year, 1st April - 4th April 2023.
My speech is coming back, when somone is speaking to me, i can't speak properly so they understand me.
I went speech therapy, occupational therapy last year.
Can you help me?

[mrstevek]

Thank you for explaining this, makes sense now ❤️