Thank you for your informative videos. Im 3 years post stroke. After a year if intensive rehab, I was told that my disabilitoes are life-long but I don't want to accept that. I'm a Christiann believer and I still believe that God will heal me. I continue personal training at home. I can walk compensatorilwith a leg brace due to severe spasticity with a cane and still can't use my left arm and hand but very grateful everyday that I got my cognitive ablity and recovered eating and speaking abilities. I'm still working hard to recover vompletely and not giving up..
I wait on the notification every Sunday from Dr. Tobias like I do with a direct deposit into my bank account. I am just so excited everytime I get a new exercise to perform or just to hear the words of encouragement from Dr. Tobias. I will tell everyone that the most beneficial video that I have received and the one that has got me from sitting in a wheelchair to walking is the one that covers"tall kneeling". It is still unbelievable that I have come this far with this exercise. Now, this video will allow me to walk more "relaxed" Thank you Dr. Tobias!
Hi Teresa! Thank you so much for watching and for sharing. I am so glad to read that the exercises are helping you. CONGRATULATIONS!! Going from wheelchair to walking is a HUGE accomplishment! Keep at it!!
I am 9 months post-stroke. The spasticity was irritating, at the beginning, but I felt like I was gradually improving. My mom had back surgery about 6 weeks ago, and taking care of her, I became so sedentary, the spasticity is worse, now. I did not get an appropriate PT, but my OT was good. Now, I am taking what I learned, searching for solutions, and taking the reins back. I am so tired of this, and the stiffness and spasticity cause me to hate my body. I need to love myself; top to toes.
I feel you I hate myself too I had a stroke 4 months ago I can't move past a certain level of recovery I'm always tired I live in a third world country and most people are less involved they simply don't understand what's wrong with mei tried ending my life so many times but I think I'm immortal lol
@@danielcollins6495 Stroke recovery is hard. You are close to the optimal time period for improving, but neuroplasticity is possible throughout your life. Small, gradual improvements can be made with repetition. Thousands of repetitions. Don’t give up. 1% is improvement. Nerves grow slowly… VERY slowly. Look up neuroplasticity. I am eating whole-food, plant-based, no oil, and walking every single day. Also, remember stroke recovery is measured in years, not days, weeks, or months. I am currently about eight weeks away from my two year anniversary. It is still hard, but I also know things can get worse if I don’t keep working at it. This effort is the number one way you can give yourself love. I do not have any PTs or OTs anymore. I am doing all of it myself. The Internet is my best resource in this effort. Look up everything you can about stroke recovery and neuroplasticity. You CAN do this. You matter. Never give up.
New to this channel. You have already given me so much information just in about an hour of watching your videos on spasticity and foot drop. I have MS and am 46 years old. So glad I found your channel. Looking forward to doing these exercises.
I too am new to channel. I was also looking for ways to deal with MS. Suddenly my mobility declined and sadly I am now a furniture and wall walker. Which videos are most helpful in your opinion? Thanks so much.
🧡🏵🧡 Dear Dr. Tara, you are a blessing. Even though I got rid of the leg spastics in 20 months, it is still a delight so see how super engaged you are for your community of survivors and patients. My way out if the spastics was as you say: active and passive movement every day. Squads, lunges, knee lifts and heel back lifts. You are so right that relaxation plays a central role in fighting spastics, also weights and gravity. 🏵🧡🏵 All the best to you and doggie Chico. 🌼🧡🌼
Hi Nina!! Thanks again for. your input. Your comments should definitely give people hope!! Sending you many blessings to Germany. I will pass along your well wishes to Chico 😊 🐶
Hi Dr Tobias, Nina, can you explain more about the exercises that you did to get rid of spascity of Leg. I not understand about what is heel back lift.
@@kengoay1941 Dear Ken, 🤩🤩 my daily anti spastics program is what I felt my body needed to get rid of the spastics. Every morning and at least twice throughout the day I spend 15 minutes with a mini program which now keeps the spastics out of the left leg. 1. First I do 20 squads, which at first were super wobbly but with the time I come deeper and deeper and this warms up both legs, gives strength and knee control. The left leg always wanted to pull inside, but with all strength I keep it in the similar position as the right knee. 2. Then, to prepare for correct walking, I do 10 (now 15) knee lifts. Always right left right.... as the left knee copies the knee position of the right and it has to pull the heel in as much as the right. This strengthens the upper front leg muscles that I need for lifting the leg in walking and fights the heavy leg syndrome. 3. Then I keep the upper leg until knee straight and try to pull the foot/ankle back up to my butt as high as possible 10x right-left-right... That is the hardest part, getting the ankle high up, doing it straight and keeping balance. I feel it strengthens all leg muscles and it teaches balance, after 24 months now I can do it sometimes freehanded and I'm very proud of that. 4. I have foot drop. The foot lift does not work (it is waking up a bit since spring). So the ankle tends to make the foot point down especially after night sleep. So I make lunges where I keep my left leg totally straight. First right for half a minute then left for half a minute. Repeat once. That gives the ankle an overstretch and takes out that spastic cramp feeling from the lower back muscles of the leg. I am very careful NOT to pull my achilles string at the back of my ankle too much. But over months I come deeper and deeper. Especially THIS takes out the spastics, as after 2 minutes the overactive lower back leg muscle relaxes. It is not important how deep you come with this stretch, be careful and just go to the point that your achill and your muscle allows. The important thing here is the stretch, the relaxing muscle and that feeling that the spastic ghost leaves your body. After this take some body cream and gently massage your ankle and back lower leg to enhance that relaxation. That mix of stretch and relax is what reduces the spastic. Dr. Tara is absolutely right in this and I love her videos. The 1. Squad is for warming up, the 2. Lift is for walking, the 3. Lift is for walking and the 4. Lunge is against the spastic and for foot lift in walking. The 4. needs the exercises before in order to warm up, otherwise such a stretch is dangerous. And ALWAYS HOLD ON TO SOMETHING VERY STABLE, as all of these exercises involve lots of balance. For me it totally worked but I do it every day since I was half dead 24 months ago and still now, in advanced recovery. I can do it almost free-handed now. I wish you fellow survivors the very best for your journey! Every piece you do good for your body helps and brings you back on track!!! 🤩🤩🤩🙏🙏🙏🙏💖💖💖💖💖👍👍👍🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼😃😃😃😃🌻🌻🌻🌻🌺🌺🌺🌺 PS That anti spastic stretching also works for the hand. I always have a cheap 1$ foam therapy peanut in my affected hand for taking out that thumb spastic. Thumb spastic is dominant and triggers hand spastic.
Sunshine Happy Nina, thank you very much for sharing your exercises. My stroke also on my left side also 2 years ago. I not understand the exercise no 3. That you mentioned about keep the upper leg until knee straight and try to pull the foot / ankle back up to your butt.
@@abhishekprajapati6932 Don’t give up I’m a 23’ year survivor also on my left side, was told I’d never again but God” had other plans for me I also remember thinking I’ll never be the same again, I wanted to give up but I’m glad That I had support from my Mom and family just believe in your selp I’m 68’ and was 45’ when I had my Stroke.. Pray to God” to give you strength and never give up, good luck 👍🏼
The above shared exercise looks both promising and helpful. I really wonder why I was so late in both watching and subscribing to your channel. Admire you for your talent and humble nature . To share videos. Ensure we get well soon
Dr. Tara you are a jewel that sincerely has compassion and enthusiasm for helping people and it shows. I have severe spacicity but I am still capable of laying on my stomach on the floor and raising my involved leg alone but first I lock my strong right foot on my left to assist my left for 10-20 reps ,then I lift my let leg by itself. I also ride a recumbent trike with a clipless bike shoe on the right side with my afo left leg into a regular shoe that is strapped into a special left pedal. I am not sure if this is good therapy but it gives me the freedom to travel unassisted up to 30 miles. I have my hemi Cain mounted to the back so I can walk if needed. I live alone , so the trike gives me independence to go to local stores that have electric carts for the handicapped. I am not sure if this helps my therapy but the independence makes me feel good.
This was the first of your videos I watched. Within a minute of watching you messaged that passive movement is key whereas active movement not so much. You rocked my world, changed my thinking and helped relieve some spasticity, "the relax moment" is everything! Thank you so very much, looking forward to watching all your vids!
I absolutely love your videos! have been living with MS for a long time. I have a stiff gait... I look like someone straight out of The Walking Dead. I have never known what to think about while I’m trying to walk. Thanks to you now I have new tools to work with!!! Outstanding! Thank you so much!
I bought a skateboard last week, and 5 months post stroke I can finally actively bend my knee sitting down! Now to move on to the standing and bending for walking! My PT and OT always frown on passive exercises, but passive leads to arrive! Thank you!
Wow! I have been searching TH-cam for years for answers to my severe spasticity. I have looked @ everything it seems. In 20 years of Multiple Sclerosis, I now have some great exercises from you Doctor Tara - Thank you! I have been unable to walk the past 6 years ( I am able to get around with crutches, walkers and now a wheelchair) These exercises in this video are giving me hope, and I'm sure they can make a difference. I finally found a source for my straight legs spasticity (soon to be normal! -Thanks again Doctor Tara, and I look forward to my progress and more of your videos!
You are marvelous, I hope you still are active in your therapy work. I have recovered well but have peaked after my 1st year anniversary, this video answers what my left knee suffered. Thank you, my journey continues...
I love this. I’m gonna practise this, as I’ve been suffering to swing my left leg for over a year now. It’s gotten to the point where I’m often almost tripping myself over. I hope I can cure this with these exercises.
Thank you so much for your videos Dr Tara. I have watched several of your videos and am unfortunately very familiar with some of the terminology, although I do not claim to be an expert at all. I am a 20 year stroke survivor and have had multiple rounds of therapy over the years. My best therapist were definitely the Neurotherapist, which are not easy to find in my area. You’re techniques are very helpful. My hope is all stroke survivors will find your videos and practice. The relaxation technique is something I really need to work on even today. This was never addressed and I always felt like that was the part of the walking gait process I could not understand. I wear the Bioness which helps with my foot drop but still have issues where my hip and knee are concerned. I wish I could get some cues on pushing my hip forward before bending my knee. Thank you again for caring enough to put this information out for survivors.😊
I'm so excited I found your channel! I have myelomalacia thoracic level with spasticity. I think these exercises will help! I will be watching all your vudeos. Thank you!
I have been following your video for sometime now and a lot of my questions are answered and a lot of people I know commented that I have improved a lot and that's all thanks to you.Stay safe and God bless
Watching right now in Austria.. This is precisely my problem. I had a stroke and, along with other problems, have immense difficulty bending one completely stiff leg. I will try to relax. Thank you!
Thank you so much! I have mild CP and no one ever told me this in my life. If I lie on my back on a bed and drop my feet down, my feet relax most of the way down but not entirely all the way, they just sort of stop before my heels hit the bed. I never knew I had to practice relaxing. Thanks again.
I just discovered this channel. I am 6 months post viral encephalitis with pretty severe foot inverson/drop and thigh spaxticity, and I am looking forward to working through more of these exercises. But first, getting that GD quad to release on command!
First time watcher really easy to follow you always keep it honest by telling us that there is no magic num of reps to do. I really like d the video can't wait to see more
I have spastic parapledga Cerebral Palsy and my spasticity is off the charts extreme doesn't even cut it. I'm going to try this and see what happens ... I am a full time wheelchair user mostly due to spasticity issues .. My balance used to be amazing standing in one spot but the minute I tried to take a step it was all over... I walk like a stiff tin "woman" .. knees stay straight and I'm in so much pain ALL over... Growing older with CP is no joke... I showed this video to my support group :) We'll give it a shot! Thanks for posting
"Passive movement". This is the first time I'm hearing this! I've been trying so hard to bend my legs often time getting frustrated. I'm going to try to relax it and see where it takes me.
Thanks so much for all your progressions. I have ms and my involved leg is still weaker but think I am making small improvements thanks to you. I still find it hard to bend knee when on stomach but also when on my back and almost impossible to bring my knee to chest in this position. Is that because of a weak core? Look forward to all your videos. Wish I lived near Orlando. Thanks again.
Thanks for watching! Umm, the bigger question is why doesn't EVERY physical therapy video have a calming force hanging out in the background 🐶 🤣 Enter Chico. He is the Zen to my "intensity". 🙃
Do you think riding my trike helps me? This activity builds up my right leg but now I find that in my ugly walking, I am more dependent on my right leg. You said that someone said their foot looks like a macaroni noodle. I thought about that insightful comment and that person is spot on. My macaroni noodle only supports me just barely, but with your great videos and practice,practice and time and more practice it will improve! Thank yo very much for your great help, and time. At 69 13 years post red stroke, slow but sure I will improve. Stroke survivors never give up but have a plethora of patience.
I am 3 1/2 years post diagnosis of aggressive primary progressive MS. I recently had deep brain stimulation to minimise to some extent the intention tremor. In my recovery phase from DBS, I get really bad spasticity. For example, when I’m sitting down, it feels like there’s no circulation below the knees. And when I get up to walk my feet drag, particularly the right leg, on the ground and sometimes people even have to push that leg along to make it move so I’m not stuck when I’m not in a wheelchair, but using a four wheel walker. Thank you for this video and this entire channel. It’s great. Thank you ❤️
Hello, just watched this video, and I found it helpful. I had brain surgery in 2020 for Chiari Malformation. I have had some issues with walking. I've been told, but not officially diagnosed with ataxia on my right side. I have a stand up walker and it seems like my right side is shorter than my left side? I think I have some balance issues in my core wich leads to my walking issues? Thanks for your video and look forward to more about walking issues in the future.😊
I'm from the UK. I have a new condition called C.A.N.V.A.S. it was only discovered a few years ago. It's a compilation of conditions that no one in the UK seems to have any idea about. Just a few suggestions to treat some of the symptoms. Fixing grab handles on walls in the home etc. I'm literally on my own with this and I feel desperate. I very recently discovered your channel a d subscribed. Your video's give me new hope. Thank you so much. Among the problems are vestibular, Gate, etc. etc! The list goes on and on. I eat a perfect diet and lifestyle. Your video's are far superior to anything on the planet! I have finally got some inspiration of hope. Thank you for your heaven sent work.God bless to you. x
Thank you for sharing this! I have never heard of it but I just looked it up and it is definitely something I intend to learn more about. Thanks again.
Dr Tara, what really helped me with the knee bending was an earlier exercise you showed: standing on step, then step down with uninvolved foot. Involved knee has to bend. I just did it over & over. Somehow my brain got it! Thanks
omg, Jinen, you do not know how happy this makes me. This is what it takes. Doing one small exercises over and over and over again until you get it. :) I hope others are inspired by this. Thank you for sharing!! Now, work on the "relax" command to carry it over into walking. I hope that helps!! Keep us posted on your progress!!
Dr. Tara thank you for this videos! I have Transverse Myelitis and doing rehab with your videos has helped me a lot!! Everything is explained so clearly!! 🙏thank you!
Thank you, Dr. Tara, for your fantastic advice!...Currently, my severely spastic left leg (MS) is learning to "do the passive movement until it becomes active movement"
Dr. T, so glad I came across your video. I have MS and have a lot of spasticity. I'm excited to see your other videos and try out your tips and technics.
Spasticity and swinging of the leg around, I didn't it all had to do the bending of the knee. I thought I was bending my knee fine. I see that I haven't now. There's so many levels of this I didn't know about I was dealing with. Thank you for the knowledge 🙏
Hello Dr. Tara you are just awesome. I always waits for notifications of your video. Your videos are just very specific with the problems. God Bless you 🙏
I have a patient about stroke she has problem for walking and she is walking pelvik drop and your hip, knee fleksion has weak I learned your videos about this conditon I will try Thank you
One simple additional advice that may help you with spasticity. If you live in cold weather places, make sure to dress properly and stay hydrated to keep yourself warm. From personal experience, hotter weather helps me keep muscles more relaxed. So good layers are crucial during winter to avoid stiffer muscles.
How I wish this was 5 years ago..... but it’s not too late right?... Might be a steeper hill to climb... but I just gotta do it for me.... Thank you Doc..
Respected madam, I regret saying that I got left hemiplegia in2016,now the leg feels heavy, very stiff, it's very heavy to raise and step, it would be better if you suggest to do some exercises to overcome it.
Good day dr , this is one of which I wanted as i am not able to flex my knees . Reason being lesion on the spine and hip . However the way you have both briefed and showed how to go about the exercise. Looks very helpful. Thank you so much once again. Will keep waiting for your next video. You are blessed with both positivity and show how one can do the exercise in a simple, but effective way. Awaiting your next video.
I had drop foot 3 months ago with physical therapy it’s got a lot better I was unable to walk without my foot cocked and severe nerve pain in the below knee and especially the entire foot still dealing with nerve damage but my muscles in my leg and foot are not very strong although I didn’t have a stroke .
I have MS too. The concept seems to be the same. We have a brain injury where the command from the brain is not getting through. I’m going to try the weighted version to get the leg to go down. Hell I’ve tried everything else
I'm 62yrs old and have had cerebral palsy since birth. It only affects my right leg. As I reached my 60s, my right leg now stays stiff as I try to walk. I can bend the knee any other time except when I'm walking. This video has really helped me understand what may be happening...the quad not relaxing as I bring my leg forward. I will now try to relax as I bring my leg forward. I'm also going to try some of the exercises you have suggested like laying on my stomach and bending my right leg back. Would it be beneficial to use a yoga strap to assist bending the leg back or should I try to bend the leg with no assistance?
Thank you, I feel for me that is the key to overcoming and breaking the barrier to walk. I have changed my diet,gone to rehab, in home therapy. I have a CNA to assist me and check my vitals they are all good, I get anxious to walk and it becomes counterproductive. I just need to relax thank you Dr Tobias
Dear Dr. Tara I’m a physical therapist in Thailand. I often watch your videos that are more useful to me. I have any questions about my patient who was incompleted spinal cord injury C3-4 last year. I have decreased her spasticity both Lt. upper and lower extremity for 7 visits. My session consist of passive prolong stretching , active stretching , weight bearing but not enough. Especially, ankle plantarflexor and shoulder internal rotator group. Your advice will be more support me and help me a lots. Thank you so much
You are great. Thank you. My mother had a massive stroke, but she made it to rehab after 4 months in the hospital. She had pretty bad contraction in her right leg that (frogs up) bends most of the time. Also in her right arm. She is going into week 2 of rehab after no rehab at all in the hospital. They pretty much gave up on her without trying. However, she's beginning to actually respond to rehab, mostly in her left side. Is there any advice and tips on reversing severe contractions? She is determined and tough. I'm her youngest son, and I will travel this road with her to the highest possible form of recovery, I just need the tools and insight to help her as much as possible. Thank you
@@NarcAwareness1 well. Mom is still here by Gods grace. She's on a ventilator but stable. She's has a new brace for her contracture. But continuing to persevere over all. Thank you. Keeping the faith.
Hello, I found you and was intrigued by what you teach. I had just spent the last 6 months with doctors at Mayo Clinic looking for some relief just to be told there is nothing they can do to help me with my severe spasticity and limited mobility from meningitis at 3. I’m 35 now and did not see any specialist at a younger age. I’m trying to deal with it now but Botox made the weakness. I did a gait lab and was told my hips are unbelievably weak as well as my glutes. Do you have videos that will help me target those areas? Also severe foot drop and my brain doesn’t tell my muscles to work when I ask it to.
What about the opposite of this? For 22 years I’ve had random instances of not being able to straighten the knee. It’s also super painful. I’m in PT now and have super tight hamstrings.
Hello Dr I am from SA my sister has severe spasticity in her legs after her stroke 3 years ago it is bent at the knee what excercise do you recommend. Thank you
Thanks for the explanation Dr Tara. I have spasticity in my stroke leg, although it will bend slowly at the knee if I lie on the bed. My main problem is keeping the leg relaxed when I stand at the bottom of the stairs, before trying to step up to the first step. I will try and be more patient and do the exercises in this video. It’s 16 months since my stroke so I’m hoping I have time to improve my knee bend for walking. I’ll let you know if I see any improvement. By the way, have you noticed an increase in stroke since the Covid pandemic?
Thank you for your informative videos. Im 3 years post stroke. After a year if intensive rehab, I was told that my disabilitoes are life-long but I don't want to accept that. I'm a Christiann believer and I still believe that God will heal me. I continue personal training at home. I can walk compensatorilwith a leg brace due to severe spasticity with a cane and still can't use my left arm and hand but very grateful everyday that I got my cognitive ablity and recovered eating and speaking abilities. I'm still working hard to recover vompletely and not giving up..
Tell exercise for hand stifness . Post stroke . Leg videos are very helpful ❤ vineet
I wait on the notification every Sunday from Dr. Tobias like I do with a direct deposit into my bank account. I am just so excited everytime I get a new exercise to perform or just to hear the words of encouragement from Dr. Tobias. I will tell everyone that the most beneficial video that I have received and the one that has got me from sitting in a wheelchair to walking is the one that covers"tall kneeling". It is still unbelievable that I have come this far with this exercise. Now, this video will allow me to walk more "relaxed" Thank you Dr. Tobias!
Hi Teresa! Thank you so much for watching and for sharing. I am so glad to read that the exercises are helping you. CONGRATULATIONS!! Going from wheelchair to walking is a HUGE accomplishment! Keep at it!!
I am 9 months post-stroke. The spasticity was irritating, at the beginning, but I felt like I was gradually improving. My mom had back surgery about 6 weeks ago, and taking care of her, I became so sedentary, the spasticity is worse, now. I did not get an appropriate PT, but my OT was good. Now, I am taking what I learned, searching for solutions, and taking the reins back. I am so tired of this, and the stiffness and spasticity cause me to hate my body. I need to love myself; top to toes.
I feel you I hate myself too I had a stroke 4 months ago I can't move past a certain level of recovery I'm always tired I live in a third world country and most people are less involved they simply don't understand what's wrong with mei tried ending my life so many times but I think I'm immortal lol
I'm so tired of everything
@@danielcollins6495 Stroke recovery is hard. You are close to the optimal time period for improving, but neuroplasticity is possible throughout your life. Small, gradual improvements can be made with repetition. Thousands of repetitions. Don’t give up. 1% is improvement. Nerves grow slowly… VERY slowly. Look up neuroplasticity. I am eating whole-food, plant-based, no oil, and walking every single day. Also, remember stroke recovery is measured in years, not days, weeks, or months. I am currently about eight weeks away from my two year anniversary. It is still hard, but I also know things can get worse if I don’t keep working at it. This effort is the number one way you can give yourself love. I do not have any PTs or OTs anymore. I am doing all of it myself. The Internet is my best resource in this effort. Look up everything you can about stroke recovery and neuroplasticity. You CAN do this. You matter. Never give up.
New to this channel. You have already given me so much information just in about an hour of watching your videos on spasticity and foot drop. I have MS and am 46 years old. So glad I found your channel. Looking forward to doing these exercises.
I too am new to channel. I was also looking for ways to deal with MS. Suddenly my mobility declined and sadly I am now a furniture and wall walker. Which videos are most helpful in your opinion? Thanks so much.
@@tracyp8741 there are so many great videos. I would just go to the main page and have a look around. Good luck
@@seen48 Thank you so much.
🧡🏵🧡 Dear Dr. Tara, you are a blessing. Even though I got rid of the leg spastics in 20 months, it is still a delight so see how super engaged you are for your community of survivors and patients.
My way out if the spastics was as you say: active and passive movement every day. Squads, lunges, knee lifts and heel back lifts. You are so right that relaxation plays a central role in fighting spastics, also weights and gravity. 🏵🧡🏵 All the best to you and doggie Chico. 🌼🧡🌼
Hi Nina!! Thanks again for. your input. Your comments should definitely give people hope!! Sending you many blessings to Germany. I will pass along your well wishes to Chico 😊 🐶
Hi Dr Tobias, Nina, can you explain more about the exercises that you did to get rid of spascity of Leg. I not understand about what is heel back lift.
@@kengoay1941 Dear Ken, 🤩🤩 my daily anti spastics program is what I felt my body needed to get rid of the spastics. Every morning and at least twice throughout the day I spend 15 minutes with a mini program which now keeps the spastics out of the left leg.
1. First I do 20 squads, which at first were super wobbly but with the time I come deeper and deeper and this warms up both legs, gives strength and knee control. The left leg always wanted to pull inside, but with all strength I keep it in the similar position as the right knee.
2. Then, to prepare for correct walking, I do 10 (now 15) knee lifts. Always right left right.... as the left knee copies the knee position of the right and it has to pull the heel in as much as the right. This strengthens the upper front leg muscles that I need for lifting the leg in walking and fights the heavy leg syndrome.
3. Then I keep the upper leg until knee straight and try to pull the foot/ankle back up to my butt as high as possible 10x right-left-right... That is the hardest part, getting the ankle high up, doing it straight and keeping balance. I feel it strengthens all leg muscles and it teaches balance, after 24 months now I can do it sometimes freehanded and I'm very proud of that.
4. I have foot drop. The foot lift does not work (it is waking up a bit since spring). So the ankle tends to make the foot point down especially after night sleep. So I make lunges where I keep my left leg totally straight. First right for half a minute then left for half a minute. Repeat once. That gives the ankle an overstretch and takes out that spastic cramp feeling from the lower back muscles of the leg. I am very careful NOT to pull my achilles string at the back of my ankle too much. But over months I come deeper and deeper. Especially THIS takes out the spastics, as after 2 minutes the overactive lower back leg muscle relaxes. It is not important how deep you come with this stretch, be careful and just go to the point that your achill and your muscle allows. The important thing here is the stretch, the relaxing muscle and that feeling that the spastic ghost leaves your body. After this take some body cream and gently massage your ankle and back lower leg to enhance that relaxation. That mix of stretch and relax is what reduces the spastic. Dr. Tara is absolutely right in this and I love her videos.
The 1. Squad is for warming up, the 2. Lift is for walking, the 3. Lift is for walking and the 4. Lunge is against the spastic and for foot lift in walking. The 4. needs the exercises before in order to warm up, otherwise such a stretch is dangerous. And ALWAYS HOLD ON TO SOMETHING VERY STABLE, as all of these exercises involve lots of balance.
For me it totally worked but I do it every day since I was half dead 24 months ago and still now, in advanced recovery. I can do it almost free-handed now.
I wish you fellow survivors the very best for your journey! Every piece you do good for your body helps and brings you back on track!!! 🤩🤩🤩🙏🙏🙏🙏💖💖💖💖💖👍👍👍🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼😃😃😃😃🌻🌻🌻🌻🌺🌺🌺🌺
PS That anti spastic stretching also works for the hand. I always have a cheap 1$ foam therapy peanut in my affected hand for taking out that thumb spastic. Thumb spastic is dominant and triggers hand spastic.
Sunshine Happy Nina, thank you very much for sharing your exercises. My stroke also on my left side also 2 years ago.
I not understand the exercise no 3. That you mentioned about keep the upper leg until knee straight and try to pull the foot / ankle back up to your butt.
@@kengoay1941 Ken, super easy, just lift your foot up BACK in the direction of your butt. Do not move the upper part of the leg. 👍👍👍🤗🤗🤗
This is so very helpful. I am a stroke survivor, and have spasticity on my left side. Your videos are helping me immensely.
Hi.... I had a stroke in Sept due to which my left side is paralyzed......Are you recovered now??? Can you help Me please????
@@abhishekprajapati6932 Don’t give up I’m a 23’ year survivor also on my left side, was told I’d never again but God” had other plans for me I also remember thinking I’ll never be the same again, I wanted to give up but I’m glad
That I had support from my Mom and family just believe in your selp I’m 68’ and was 45’ when I had my Stroke.. Pray to God” to give you strength and never give up, good luck 👍🏼
I Rollerblade it helps. Always stretch
The above shared exercise looks both promising and helpful. I really wonder why I was so late in both watching and subscribing to your channel. Admire you for your talent and humble nature . To share videos. Ensure we get well soon
Dr. Tara you are a jewel that sincerely has compassion and enthusiasm for helping people and it shows. I have severe spacicity but I am still capable of laying on my stomach on the floor and raising my involved leg alone but first I lock my strong right foot on my left to assist my left for 10-20 reps ,then I lift my let leg by itself. I also ride a recumbent trike with a clipless bike shoe on the right side with my afo left leg into a regular shoe that is strapped into a special left pedal. I am not sure if this is good therapy but it gives me the freedom to travel unassisted up to 30 miles. I have my hemi Cain mounted to the back so I can walk if needed. I live alone , so the trike gives me independence to go to local stores that have electric carts for the handicapped. I am not sure if this helps my therapy but the independence makes me feel good.
This was the first of your videos I watched. Within a minute of watching you messaged that passive movement is key whereas active movement not so much. You rocked my world, changed my thinking and helped relieve some spasticity, "the relax moment" is everything! Thank you so very much, looking forward to watching all your vids!
😅
This is great for multiple sclerosis ppl as well.
Thanks.
I needed this. Thank you so much. I'm starting with the exercises and will give feedback soon. God sent me to this channel today 🙏🏿
I absolutely love your videos! have been living with MS for a long time. I have a stiff gait... I look like someone straight out of The Walking Dead. I have never known what to think about while I’m trying to walk. Thanks to you now I have new tools to work with!!! Outstanding! Thank you so much!
You're not alone!! I am Stiff as a board. Just keep moving.
Same here! I have very bad spasticity in my legs and NO core or leg strength. I’m doing Physical Therapy and it seems to be helping some.
I’m going to beat this MS thanks to you!! 🧡🧡
YES you are!!! 🧡🧡🧡
I bought a skateboard last week, and 5 months post stroke I can finally actively bend my knee sitting down! Now to move on to the standing and bending for walking! My PT and OT always frown on passive exercises, but passive leads to arrive! Thank you!
YES! Joseph, I am so happy for you. Thank you for sharing this HUGE win with everyone!
Wow! I have been searching TH-cam for years for answers to my severe spasticity. I have looked @ everything it seems. In 20 years of Multiple Sclerosis, I now have some great exercises from you Doctor Tara - Thank you! I have been unable to walk the past 6 years ( I am able to get around with crutches, walkers and now a wheelchair) These exercises in this video are giving me hope, and I'm sure they can make a difference. I finally found a source for my straight legs spasticity (soon to be normal! -Thanks again Doctor Tara, and I look forward to my progress and more of your videos!
Hey how have you been since this comment ? Is your walking better ?
You are marvelous, I hope you still are active in your therapy work. I have recovered well but have peaked after my 1st year anniversary, this video answers what my left knee suffered. Thank you, my journey continues...
I love this. I’m gonna practise this, as I’ve been suffering to swing my left leg for over a year now. It’s gotten to the point where I’m often almost tripping myself over. I hope I can cure this with these exercises.
Thank you so much for sharing the above video.. please do suggest/ share excercise for pedal oedema.
I love u doc... you are have given me hope for my 9 yrs of suffering with spasticity....
Same here I am trying to work out after 12 years
This makes so much sense I love that you’re doing these videos keep up the good work I’m watching and learning
Thank you so much for your videos Dr Tara. I have watched several of your videos and am unfortunately very familiar with some of the terminology, although I do not claim to be an expert at all. I am a 20 year stroke survivor and have had multiple rounds of therapy over the years. My best therapist were definitely the Neurotherapist, which are not easy to find in my area. You’re techniques are very helpful. My hope is all stroke survivors will find your videos and practice. The relaxation technique is something I really need to work on even today. This was never addressed and I always felt like that was the part of the walking gait process I could not understand. I wear the Bioness which helps with my foot drop but still have issues where my hip and knee are concerned. I wish I could get some cues on pushing my hip forward before bending my knee.
Thank you again for caring enough to put this information out for survivors.😊
Thank you for the tip, am a stroke patient who really need these
I'm so excited I found your channel! I have myelomalacia thoracic level with spasticity. I think these exercises will help! I will be watching all your vudeos. Thank you!
I have been following your video for sometime now and a lot of my questions are answered and a lot of people I know commented that I have improved a lot and that's all thanks to you.Stay safe and God bless
I'm so glad I found you!! I think I have this. My toes stay curled.
This describes my problem exactly. I will be trying those exercises. Your information is so helpful in all your videos!
Thank you for watching! Glad to know the videos are helping you :)
Watching right now in Austria.. This is precisely my problem. I had a stroke and, along with other problems, have immense difficulty bending one completely stiff leg. I will try to relax. Thank you!
Hi Sophia! Thank you for watching. I am glad this video addresses your walking problem. You are not alone. I hope it helps!
Thanks for this video. I'm stroke patient.
Thanks Doc,it's been2yrs I was learned from your guidelines it help so much
Thank you so much! I have mild CP and no one ever told me this in my life. If I lie on my back on a bed and drop my feet down, my feet relax most of the way down but not entirely all the way, they just sort of stop before my heels hit the bed. I never knew I had to practice relaxing. Thanks again.
I also have mild CP.
Did you get an operation on your calf muscle?
You offer so many helpful ideas to work on. The ankle weight is a great idea.
I just discovered this channel. I am 6 months post viral encephalitis with pretty severe foot inverson/drop and thigh spaxticity, and I am looking forward to working through more of these exercises.
But first, getting that GD quad to release on command!
Thank you for all of these AMAZING TIPS THEY REALLY HELP DR. TOBIAS! GOD BLESS YOU!!!
Thank you for watching! I am glad you found this video helpful :)
I’m going to try this on my brother tomorrow. Thank you for all your information. Stay blessed.
First time watcher really easy to follow you always keep it honest by telling us that there is no magic num of reps to do. I really like d the video can't wait to see more
I have spastic parapledga Cerebral Palsy
and my spasticity is off the charts extreme doesn't even cut it. I'm going to try this and see what happens ... I am a full time wheelchair user mostly due to spasticity issues .. My balance used to be amazing standing in one spot but the minute I tried to take a step it was all over... I walk like a stiff tin "woman" .. knees stay straight and I'm in so much pain ALL over... Growing older with CP is no joke... I showed this video to my support group :) We'll give it a shot! Thanks for posting
"Passive movement". This is the first time I'm hearing this! I've been trying so hard to bend my legs often time getting frustrated. I'm going to try to relax it and see where it takes me.
Thank you! SNF PT here and this is really going to help one of my patients! Appreciate what you do and keep making these videos!!!
Hi Matt! Thanks for watching. I am glad you found this helpful.
Thanks so much for all your progressions. I have ms and my involved leg is still weaker but think I am making small improvements thanks to you. I still find it hard to bend knee when on stomach but also when on my back and almost impossible to bring my knee to chest in this position. Is that because of a weak core? Look forward to all your videos. Wish I lived near Orlando. Thanks again.
I'm amused by how many PT videos have a chill dog just hanging out in the background. Great video!
Thanks for watching! Umm, the bigger question is why doesn't EVERY physical therapy video have a calming force hanging out in the background 🐶 🤣 Enter Chico. He is the Zen to my "intensity". 🙃
Thank you for this video. Its helping me with my leg stiffness. Im going to continue to take your advice.
I have just started I'm going to keep doing it till I get it right thank you
How long do I need to walk to achieve the right way of walking. I love watching your videos....pls continue doing so, really a big help!
You do it until you "get it"
Thank You So Much You're Heaven Sent I Had Seven Strokes That Affected My Left Side but your videos are giving me my life back Thanks Dr.T!!!
Hi.... I had a stroke in Sept due to which my left side is paralyzed......Are you recovered now??? Can you help Me please????
Do you think riding my trike helps me? This activity builds up my right leg but now I find that in my ugly walking, I am more dependent on my right leg. You said that someone said their foot looks like a macaroni noodle. I thought about that insightful comment and that person is spot on. My macaroni noodle only supports me just barely, but with your great videos and practice,practice and time and more practice it will improve! Thank yo very much for your great help, and time. At 69 13 years post red stroke, slow but sure I will improve. Stroke survivors never give up but have a plethora of patience.
Thank you very much for these videos Dr. Tobias.
I am 3 1/2 years post diagnosis of aggressive primary progressive MS. I recently had deep brain stimulation to minimise to some extent the intention tremor. In my recovery phase from DBS, I get really bad spasticity. For example, when I’m sitting down, it feels like there’s no circulation below the knees. And when I get up to walk my feet drag, particularly the right leg, on the ground and sometimes people even have to push that leg along to make it move so I’m not stuck when I’m not in a wheelchair, but using a four wheel walker.
Thank you for this video and this entire channel. It’s great. Thank you ❤️
Hello, just watched this video, and I found it helpful. I had brain surgery in 2020 for Chiari Malformation. I have had some issues with walking. I've been told, but not officially diagnosed with ataxia on my right side. I have a stand up walker and it seems like my right side is shorter than my left side? I think I have some balance issues in my core wich leads to my walking issues? Thanks for your video and look forward to more about walking issues in the future.😊
I'm in uk. 1 yr on. Thank you so much for this. It really helped
I'm from the UK. I have a new condition called C.A.N.V.A.S. it was only discovered a few years ago. It's a compilation of conditions that no one in the UK seems to have any idea about. Just a few suggestions to treat some of the symptoms. Fixing grab handles on walls in the home etc. I'm literally on my own with this and I feel desperate. I very recently discovered your channel a d subscribed. Your video's give me new hope. Thank you so much. Among the problems are vestibular, Gate, etc. etc! The list goes on and on. I eat a perfect diet and lifestyle. Your video's are far superior to anything on the planet! I have finally got some inspiration of hope. Thank you for your heaven sent work.God bless to you. x
Thank you for sharing this! I have never heard of it but I just looked it up and it is definitely something I intend to learn more about. Thanks again.
Thank you Dr Tara. Your video have been very helpful. My dad is recovering though he is still battling with shoulder subluxation. But he is doing good
Hi its me louisa
How much i appreciate yourbright clear instruction god bless you
Dr Tara, what really helped me with the knee bending was an earlier exercise you showed: standing on step, then step down with uninvolved foot. Involved knee has to bend. I just did it over & over. Somehow my brain got it! Thanks
omg, Jinen, you do not know how happy this makes me. This is what it takes. Doing one small exercises over and over and over again until you get it. :) I hope others are inspired by this. Thank you for sharing!! Now, work on the "relax" command to carry it over into walking. I hope that helps!! Keep us posted on your progress!!
im a stroke patient my left side is stroke, im walking now but very slow, i watch your videos thanks for sharing all videos . thank you
Dr. Tara thank you for this videos! I have Transverse Myelitis and doing rehab with your videos has helped me a lot!! Everything is explained so clearly!! 🙏thank you!
Thanks alot
I kindly request to make a video demonstrating how to assist a stroke patient in walking
Passive to active…fabulous video!
Your videos are very informative, more so than any Neurologist has even given me
Thank you
I enjoy the way you teach
Thank you, Dr. Tara, for your fantastic advice!...Currently, my severely spastic left leg (MS) is learning to "do the passive movement until it becomes active movement"
Yes, MS crazy. Hopefully any exercise will help strengthen your body. This is definitely good.
Dr. T, so glad I came across your video. I have MS and have a lot of spasticity. I'm excited to see your other videos and try out your tips and technics.
This is exactly what I need. Thank you!
Im watching your video to help other people.. God bless madam
Spasticity and swinging of the leg around, I didn't it all had to do the bending of the knee. I thought I was bending my knee fine. I see that I haven't now. There's so many levels of this I didn't know about I was dealing with. Thank you for the knowledge 🙏
Hello Dr. Tara you are just awesome.
I always waits for notifications of your video. Your videos are just very specific with the problems. God Bless you 🙏
Hi Umesh. Thank you for watching. I hope they are helpful. :)
I am having the same problem .. thanks for covering it 😇😇💞💞
This is a very great helpful video thank you so much
Very good video....Pls use to have heaviness in my right shoulder
been searching for that blue wrap belt you posted before can you please post again the amazon link where to order ? thank you very much,
I'm happy to find this video I have a severe condition in my legs the spaticity is too much
thanks very helpful information to identify the reason my knee is stiff, and dispite , doing other lower extremity for strengh
Your videos are very helpful, keep doing the good work
Very helpful. Hopefully go forward to less painful spasticity.I comment when I have tried this for a week Grateful for the info
Love the video. And it has been good. My knee still flaps when I walk. Your advice will be kindly apreciated
I have a patient about stroke she has problem for walking and she is walking pelvik drop and your hip, knee fleksion has weak I learned your videos about this conditon I will try Thank you
Very helpful. I had surgery for tibial plateau fixation. My leg stayed 7 weeks in cast.
One simple additional advice that may help you with spasticity. If you live in cold weather places, make sure to dress properly and stay hydrated to keep yourself warm. From personal experience, hotter weather helps me keep muscles more relaxed. So good layers are crucial during winter to avoid stiffer muscles.
How I wish this was 5 years ago..... but it’s not too late right?... Might be a steeper hill to climb... but I just gotta do it for me.... Thank you Doc..
Great attitude, good luck
Respected madam, I regret saying that I got left hemiplegia in2016,now the leg feels heavy, very stiff, it's very heavy to raise and step, it would be better if you suggest to do some exercises to overcome it.
❤
Good day dr , this is one of which I wanted as i am not able to flex my knees . Reason being lesion on the spine and hip . However the way you have both briefed and showed how to go about the exercise. Looks very helpful. Thank you so much once again. Will keep waiting for your next video. You are blessed with both positivity and show how one can do the exercise in a simple, but effective way. Awaiting your next video.
Sorry. Hay fight on might as well
What you gonna do ..this is pain it has its purpose . Sorry
Thank you! Now I know what to try for my #4 spasticity!
I just follow your instructions very carefully..i cant believe my patient stand and walk after two weeks of using these technics.thank you doctor..
Thank you so much it is very helpful about your advice 💕👍
I had drop foot 3 months ago with physical therapy it’s got a lot better I was unable to walk without my foot cocked and severe nerve pain in the below knee and especially the entire foot still dealing with nerve damage but my muscles in my leg and foot are not very strong although I didn’t have a stroke .
Im want to apply this to my Boss i hope i can help him alot to walk again thanks for your vdeo and make me inspired😇😇
Wow….new challenge….i love it!
Your exercises are helpful thank you
Thank you i wish I could see this 6 yrs back
Would these exercises be helpful for someone with multiple sclerosis?
I have MS too. The concept seems to be the same. We have a brain injury where the command from the brain is not getting through. I’m going to try the weighted version to get the leg to go down. Hell I’ve tried everything else
I'm 62yrs old and have had cerebral palsy since birth. It only affects my right leg. As I reached my 60s, my right leg now stays stiff as I try to walk. I can bend the knee any other time except when I'm walking. This video has really helped me understand what may be happening...the quad not relaxing as I bring my leg forward. I will now try to relax as I bring my leg forward. I'm also going to try some of the exercises you have suggested like laying on my stomach and bending my right leg back. Would it be beneficial to use a yoga strap to assist bending the leg back or should I try to bend the leg with no assistance?
Good I understand about my leg straight or contract the muscle . I'm suffering stroke right now. Thanks...
Thank you, I feel for me that is the key to overcoming and breaking the barrier to walk. I have changed my diet,gone to rehab, in home therapy. I have a CNA to assist me and check my vitals they are all good, I get anxious to walk and it becomes counterproductive. I just need to relax thank you Dr Tobias
Yay I’m so happy that you’re still making videos THANK YOU
Thank you for your help and i cannot talk to bless.
Dear Dr. Tara
I’m a physical therapist in Thailand. I often watch your videos that are more useful to me. I have any questions about my patient who was incompleted spinal cord injury C3-4 last year. I have decreased her spasticity both Lt. upper and lower extremity for 7 visits. My session consist of passive prolong stretching , active stretching , weight bearing but not enough. Especially, ankle plantarflexor and shoulder internal rotator group. Your advice will be more support me and help me a lots.
Thank you so much
You are great. Thank you. My mother had a massive stroke, but she made it to rehab after 4 months in the hospital. She had pretty bad contraction in her right leg that (frogs up) bends most of the time. Also in her right arm. She is going into week 2 of rehab after no rehab at all in the hospital. They pretty much gave up on her without trying. However, she's beginning to actually respond to rehab, mostly in her left side. Is there any advice and tips on reversing severe contractions? She is determined and tough. I'm her youngest son, and I will travel this road with her to the highest possible form of recovery, I just need the tools and insight to help her as much as possible. Thank you
Hi, did your mum find help for her contracture? Thanks ❤
@@NarcAwareness1 well. Mom is still here by Gods grace. She's on a ventilator but stable. She's has a new brace for her contracture. But continuing to persevere over all. Thank you. Keeping the faith.
@@180upagain Ahh, sending 💛 to your dear mammy.
@@NarcAwareness1 ❤👃👃👃
Thank you. I learned so much.
Just . To the Point.. Doc. ✔️✔️ This is gonna help my clients..
Thanks 💪
Hello, I found you and was intrigued by what you teach. I had just spent the last 6 months with doctors at Mayo Clinic looking for some relief just to be told there is nothing they can do to help me with my severe spasticity and limited mobility from meningitis at 3. I’m 35 now and did not see any specialist at a younger age. I’m trying to deal with it now but Botox made the weakness. I did a gait lab and was told my hips are unbelievably weak as well as my glutes. Do you have videos that will help me target those areas? Also severe foot drop and my brain doesn’t tell my muscles to work when I ask it to.
What about the opposite of this? For 22 years I’ve had random instances of not being able to straighten the knee. It’s also super painful.
I’m in PT now and have super tight hamstrings.
Can acupuncture help in spasticity and tightness of muscles?
Hello Dr
I am from SA my sister has severe spasticity in her legs after her stroke 3 years ago it is bent at the knee what excercise do you recommend.
Thank you
Thanks for the explanation Dr Tara. I have spasticity in my stroke leg, although it will bend slowly at the knee if I lie on the bed. My main problem is keeping the leg relaxed when I stand at the bottom of the stairs, before trying to step up to the first step. I will try and be more patient and do the exercises in this video. It’s 16 months since my stroke so I’m hoping I have time to improve my knee bend for walking. I’ll let you know if I see any improvement. By the way, have you noticed an increase in stroke since the Covid pandemic?
I have MS and my problem is my left lower thigh tightens the more I walk. Any ideas of what I can do?