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Exercise Videos for after a Stroke

Research indicates that your brain is amazingly resilient and capable of adapting after a stroke.

Senior women swim 2Exercise after experiencing a stroke may feel like a daunting task. In the beginning, it’s easier to do things with the parts of your body that are not damaged. But if you rely solely on those parts of your body, you could develop a habit of non-use in your injured limbs. When you stop using certain body parts, your risk of experiencing spasticity and pain in those areas increases. You can greatly reduce these risks by developing and maintaining a stretching and gentle exercise routine. The videos listed on this page can help you develop a good routine.

TIPS FOR GETTING STARTED…

  • You may wish to have a family member or other support person with you for the first few classes. 
  • Wear comfortable clothing to ensure maximum movement of the exercises
  • Wear good footwear with a rubber or other solid sole
  • Make sure the chair is strong and in proper working order
  • Position your chair on a flat surface
  • Ensure there is ample room around the chair so you don’t hit anything
  • For those in a wheel chair ensure the brakes are locked on. If you feel stable enough you can remove your armrests and/or footplates to allow more freedom of movement.
  • The exercises should not cause pain. Only move as far as is comfortable.

The exercise videos on this page can be done by most people who have recovered from a stroke. However, because the effects of stroke vary, it is impossible to devise a single exercise program suitable for everyone. If you are unsure about what is right for you, consult your medical care team before beginning.

Exercise Disclaimer: The exercises provided are selected for their appropriateness/suitability for people recovering from a stroke, BUT they are general in nature, and are not to be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific treatment plan, product, or course of action. This program is meant to complement existing programs. Exercise is not without its risks, and this or any other exercise program may result in injury. They include but are not limited to: risk of injury, aggravation of a pre-existing condition, or adverse effect of over-exertion such as muscle strain, abnormal blood pressure, fainting, disorders of heartbeat, and very rare instances of heart attack. To reduce the risk of injury, before beginning this or any exercise program, please consult a healthcare provider for appropriate exercise prescription and safety precautions. The exercise instruction and advice presented are in no way intended as a substitute for medical consultation. Kaiser Permanente disclaims any liability from and in connection with these exerciser videos. As with any exercise program, if at any point during your workout you begin to feel faint, dizzy, or have physical discomfort, you should stop immediately and consult a physician.