Preventing Falls After a Stroke or Brain Injury: How Occupational Therapy Can Help
Posted on Saturday April 1, 2023
Occupational therapy is a vital component of falls management for people who have had a stroke or brain injury. Occupational therapists use a variety of intervention strategies to help seniors reduce their risk of falling and stay safe. These strategies include individualized assessments, strength and balance training, environmental modifications, medication management, and lifestyle changes. By implementing these strategies in the context of an occupational therapy falls management program, people who have had a stroke or brain injury can live healthier lives with fewer falls-related injuries.
Understanding Long COVID and How Occupational Therapy Can Help
Posted on Wednesday March 1, 2023
Long COVID is a term used to describe the long-term effects of COVID-19 on people who have been infected. It refers to the chronic symptoms experienced by some people after they have recovered from the virus. Symptoms can range from fatigue and joint pain to brain fog, shortness of breath, cognitive impairments, and depression. Long COVID affects people differently, with some experiencing mild symptoms while others may suffer more serious long-term health issues. As research continues on this condition, it is becoming increasingly clear that Long COVID is a real phenomenon that needs to be taken seriously. Luckily occupational therapy can help!
Moxie OT is now trained in the use of Vivistim!
Posted on Wednesday February 1, 2023
Vivistim is an evidenced based intervention to improve arm function after a stroke. Vivistim provides mild electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve during occupational therapy. The vagus nerve activates the parts of the brain that are important for improving arm function.
Going to the Dentist after a Stroke or Brain Injury
Posted on Sunday January 1, 2023
Caring for our teeth is important throughout our lives. While the American Dental Association recommends we visit the dentist twice a year it can be more challenging to go to the dentist after a stroke or brain injury. Here are a few tips to make getting to the dentist a little easier.
Surviving and Thriving During the Holiday Season
Posted on Thursday December 1, 2022
After a stroke or brain injury the holidays can come with added challenges. Traveling to visit friends and family can be difficult, especially in inclement weather as we often experience here in Chicago. The celebrations themselves come with their own challenges. Loud noise, difficulty navigating the space, managing food and beverages can all make the party more stressful. Below are a few of our favorite tips and tricks to help you thrive this holiday season. Make a plan in advance.
Getting Outside After a Stroke or Brain Injury
Posted on Tuesday November 1, 2022
After a stroke or brain injury it can be challenging to get outside and do the outdoor recreation activities you used to do. Here in Chicago and the surrounding area we have many resources to help you get outside and have fun. Here are a few of our favorite organizations:
What is an invisible disability?
Posted on Saturday October 1, 2022
Have you heard of an invisible disability? Often after a stroke or brain injury people have symptoms that others can not see and have difficulty understanding. Some of these symptoms may include fatigue, dizziness, pain, emotional impairments, and cognitive impairments. Sometimes when others don’t understand your impairments it can be frustrating and even further disabling.
Resources in Chicago for Home Modification Assistance
Posted on Thursday September 1, 2022
Sometimes simple changes in our home can help us to do the things we need to do and want to do. The city of Chicago has a number of resources to help people after a stroke or brain injury modify their homes.
Can occupational therapy help me?
Posted on Monday August 1, 2022
Occupational therapy (OT) has a strange title. I like to describe OT as a profession that helps people do the things they need to do and want to do. As an occupational therapist I have helped people return to doing their basic self care such as getting dressed and brushing their teeth, return to work, return to parenting, and even return to the fun stuff in life like going to a concert or completing a craft.
Planning a Road Trip After a Stroke or Brain Injury
Posted on Friday July 1, 2022
When you are feeling ready to hit the road after a stroke or brain injury, a little extra planning can make a road trip a lot more fun.
Is it Okay to Fly After a Stroke or Brain Injury?
Posted on Wednesday June 1, 2022
It can feel overwhelming to think about air travel again after a stroke or brain injury. With a little extra planning, taking a vacation can be a great experience after a stroke or brain injury.
Why Try Yoga after a Stroke or Brain Injury?
Posted on Sunday May 1, 2022
Often after a stroke or brain injury it can be difficult to find new ways to exercise. Yoga can be a beneficial way to maintain and improve your physical and mental health. Yoga is extremely adaptable, making it a perfect fit after a stroke or brain injury. Yoga has been found to reduce pain, increase strength, and reduce anxiety. Whether you choose to sit in a chair, stand up, or sit on your mat on the floor you can participate in yoga!
Getting Enough Sleep after a Stroke or Brain Injury
Posted on Friday April 1, 2022
It is not uncommon for your sleep to be disturbed after a stroke or brain injury. Some people may experience insomnia. Insomnia may make it difficult to fall asleep or to stay asleep. Others may experience Narcolepsy and fall asleep suddenly throughout the day. Some people might experience extreme drowsiness during the day. It is also possible to have disorganized sleep patterns. Regardless of what kind of sleep difficulty you may have, it can make doing the things you need to do and want to do more difficult.
Returning to Driving After a Stroke or Brain Injury
Posted on Tuesday March 1, 2022
After a stroke or brain injury it can be challenging to know when it’s time to return to driving. Cognitive, visual, or physical impairments can all make returning to driving challenging. Cognitive impairments may make it difficult to react to traffic situations quickly or complete the multitasking required for driving. Physical impairments may make turning the steering wheel, using the pedals, or getting in and out of the car difficult. Visual impairments may make it difficult to scan the environment or see all the fields of vision required for driving.
Home Modifications for Stroke and Brain Injury Recovery
Posted on Tuesday February 1, 2022
After a stroke or brain injury some people have difficulty doing the things they need to do or want to do around their home. Problems with balance may cause some people to have difficulty going up the stairs to their bedroom, climbing over the side of the tub, or working in the kitchen. Impaired hand function may lead to difficulty cutting vegetables, turning a key in a lock, or working a remote control. An occupational therapist can help you identify home modifications that can make it easier to participate in your daily activities. Here are a few home modifications I have found helpful.
How Finger Foods Can Help Ataxia
Posted on Saturday January 1, 2022
After a stroke or brain injury some people experience a symptom called ataxia. Ataxia affects one’s coordination, leading to difficulty with many of the things we need to do and want to do in a day. Occupational therapists help people with ataxia identify tips and tricks (strategies) to help them be able to do important tasks like getting dressed, eating, or caring for their home. It is very common for someone with ataxia to have difficulty eating. One strategy to improve someone’s ability to eat on their own is to choose finger foods. At Moxie OT we’ve identified a number of foods that are nutritious, delicious, and easily eaten with your hands. Below is our list. We bet you can think of a few more!
Strategies for People with Difficulty Concentrating
Posted on Wednesday December 1, 2021
Many people who have had a stroke, brain injury, or other neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD may have trouble concentrating or paying attention. People with problems concentrating might notice they get distracted easily and have difficulty finishing tasks like completing their household chores. Some may have trouble switching from one task to another such as answering a phone call and then returning to a work task. Problems concentrating can make it hard to learn new information such as how to use a new computer program. Occupational therapists can help those with strokes and brain injuries compensate for these difficulties with strategies. I like to think of strategies as tips and tricks to help us do the things we need to do and want to do. A few quick tips and tricks if you have difficulty concentrating:
How Do I Get My Hand Better After a Stroke?
Posted on Monday November 1, 2021
After a stroke or brain injury many people have difficulty using their hand and arm. Occupational therapists use everyday activities to help your hand and arm get better. There is good research to show that using your hand and arm in everyday activities is the best way to improve the use of your hand and arm.
What is Occupational Therapy?
Posted on Friday October 1, 2021
Many people have never heard of occupational therapy (OT). Some people have participated in OT but still don’t understand how it differs from other professions. My favorite way of explaining occupational therapy is that we help people do the things they need to do, want to do, or are expected to do.
Home Safety after a Stroke or Brain Injury
Posted on Wednesday September 1, 2021
To be successful in our occupations at home it is important to be able to navigate through your home safely. Here are a few simple things you can do in your home to prevent falls: