Essential Rehabilitation Equipment for Stroke Recovery: Hand Stabilizers
Rehabilitation equipment? The commonly used device for hand immobilization (to stabilize the wrist joint) in rehabilitation rooms is called a "wrist splint" or "wrist brace." You can purchase this equipment at medical supply stores, pharmacies, or online retai...
Dr. Li Weiqiang Reply:
Dear Dongling: You can find it at a medical supply store; if you can't find it, you can ask a physical therapist. If you live near Taoyuan Hospital, we can assist you. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Director of the Rehabilitation Department, Taoyuan Hospital, Depa...[Read More] Essential Rehabilitation Equipment for Stroke Recovery: Hand Stabilizers
Are Commercial Electrotherapy Devices Worth the Investment?
Commercially available electrotherapy devices Hello, doctor. Recently, a company selling electrotherapy devices has rented a space near my home to promote the benefits of electrotherapy. They offer free sessions at fixed times every day, where people can sit on a small machine wi...
Dr. Su Hongci Reply:
Hello: Regarding the issue of commercially available electrotherapy devices, there have been previous records of corrections from health authorities. Therefore, if you experience any physical discomfort, it is advisable to consult a physician first. Thank you![Read More] Are Commercial Electrotherapy Devices Worth the Investment?
Can Swimming Help with Frozen Shoulder Recovery?
Can I swim with frozen shoulder? Hello, Doctor! I have been undergoing rehabilitation for frozen shoulder at a large hospital for over four months, and there has been significant improvement compared to my initial condition. Aside from some limitations in raising my arm and bendi...
Dr. Zhou Jianwen Reply:
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. I would like to respond to your question and provide the following suggestions: Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that occurs in the shoulder joint capsule, where inflammation leads to varying degrees of reduced should...[Read More] Can Swimming Help with Frozen Shoulder Recovery?
Stroke Recovery: Balancing Independence and Rehabilitation Strategies
Stroke After my dad had a stroke, he consulted two doctors. One advised extensive training to improve the patient's ability to walk independently, while the other recommended limiting walking. My dad is determined to walk on his own, even though it is very challenging for hi...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello Sir: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and suggestions: 1. Generally speaking, training patients to walk independently is a goal of rehabilitation. The recommendation to limit walking may be due to considerations regarding knee degeneration, aiming to prev...[Read More] Stroke Recovery: Balancing Independence and Rehabilitation Strategies
Understanding Foot Pain After Mild Stroke Rehabilitation
Mild stroke After my father had a mild stroke, he has been diligently undergoing rehabilitation and has been able to walk outside on his own for some time. However, the day before yesterday, he told me that he is experiencing pain in the bones near his ankles on both feet, making...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and suggestions: 1. Possible causes include: a. Overuse of the extensor digitorum longus muscle leading to inflammation b. Inflammation of the interosseous ligaments of the foot c. Insufficient strength in the ankle fl...[Read More] Understanding Foot Pain After Mild Stroke Rehabilitation
Can Mild Stroke Patients Use Treadmills or Swim Safely?
Mild stroke Can a patient with a mild stroke use a treadmill? Is swimming allowed? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello, sir: Thank you for your question. Here are my responses and suggestions: 1. Stroke patients who have recovered well, with good cardiopulmonary function, coordination, balance, and upper and lower limb strength at grade four or above, and who can control themselves indepe...[Read More] Can Mild Stroke Patients Use Treadmills or Swim Safely?
Can Cycling Be Safe for My Father After Mild Strokes?
Mild stroke My father has had two strokes in the past three years, but fortunately, they were mild. Recently, he wants to switch from walking to riding a bicycle for exercise. Is this advisable given his condition? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello, Miss: Thank you for your inquiry. I would like to address your questions and provide the following suggestions: 1. When cycling, consider the following points: a. Balance issues b. Cardiopulmonary function c. Muscle strength and joint range of motion d. C...[Read More] Can Cycling Be Safe for My Father After Mild Strokes?
Laser Therapy for Pressure Ulcers in Stroke Patients: A Rehabilitation Approach
Stroke patients Hello, doctor! I would like to ask if stroke patients who develop pressure ulcers can be treated with laser therapy during rehabilitation? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and suggestions: 1. Generally, you should first visit a surgeon for debridement and wound care before undergoing laser treatment, as wounds that are scabbed or infected are not suitable for laser therapy. 2. You may fi...[Read More] Laser Therapy for Pressure Ulcers in Stroke Patients: A Rehabilitation Approach
How to Walk Without Pain: Tips for Managing Lower Back and Knee Discomfort
Lower back pain and knee pain? Dear Doctor, I often experience lower back pain and knee pain. A physician advised me to wear knee braces and a lumbar support belt, and also told me not to walk around too much. I followed this advice, but the problem persists, and I would like to ...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello Sir: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and recommendations: 1. Swimming, particularly the breaststroke, is a beneficial exercise for lower back pain. Hydrotherapy is also suitable for both the knees and lower back. 2. Before walking, it is advisable to perfo...[Read More] How to Walk Without Pain: Tips for Managing Lower Back and Knee Discomfort
Understanding Ankle Discomfort: Recovery Tips for Badminton Players
My ankle feels strange? Dear Doctor, after practicing certain movements (such as forehand or backhand) in badminton for about 2 hours, I feel something unusual in my ankle. If this is a mild strain due to insufficient warm-up, how long should I rest before returning to the court?...
Dr. Li Weiqiang Reply:
Dear friend, Q1: After practicing a specific badminton stroke (such as forehand or backhand) for about 2 hours, I feel something strange in my ankle. If this is a mild strain due to insufficient warm-up, how long should I rest before returning to the court? A: It depends on the...[Read More] Understanding Ankle Discomfort: Recovery Tips for Badminton Players
Understanding Muscle Soreness After Rehabilitation Exercises
Regarding rehabilitation? I accompanied my dad to rehabilitation. He had a mild stroke and can walk, although slowly. The therapist taught him to lift his legs, and every time he comes home, he complains of soreness in the outer thigh muscles. I would like to ask the doctor if th...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. I would like to respond to your question and provide the following suggestions: 1. Generally speaking, this is not always the case, as stroke patients often experience "extensor spasticity" in the lower limbs, which can lead to di...[Read More] Understanding Muscle Soreness After Rehabilitation Exercises
Understanding Heat Stroke: Symptoms, Prevention, and Recovery Tips
Heat stroke On May 9th, it was particularly hot and humid, with outdoor temperatures around 33 degrees Celsius. While driving at 3 PM, I felt drowsy. In the past, I would sweat profusely at around 32 degrees, but that day was unusual as I couldn't sweat at all. I had someone...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello Sir: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and suggestions: 1. It may be a case of heat exhaustion or heat syncope, characterized by an inability to sweat. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatment involves gua sha on the shoulders and back (along the Gover...[Read More] Understanding Heat Stroke: Symptoms, Prevention, and Recovery Tips
Can Speech Clarity Improve After a Second Stroke? Treatment Options
Second stroke Hello, doctor! After my father had a second stroke, his speech became unclear, and we often have difficulty understanding what he says, leading us to guess, which usually results in misunderstandings. His impatience often makes him very angry. Is there a treatment f...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses and suggestions: 1. Generally, for a second stroke, it is important to monitor blood pressure, blood sugar, blood lipids, and cholesterol levels, and to take medications as prescribed to maintain control. 2. If vital si...[Read More] Can Speech Clarity Improve After a Second Stroke? Treatment Options
Understanding Wrist Weakness: When to See a Rehabilitation Specialist
Inability to elevate the wrist? My uncle woke up and found that he couldn't lift his left wrist; it has no strength at all. What should he do, and which specialty should he see?
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello Sir: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and suggestions: 1. It may be due to damage to the radial nerve (peripheral nerve) or damage to the central nervous system (such as a stroke). It is advisable to visit a rehabilitation or neurology department for an exa...[Read More] Understanding Wrist Weakness: When to See a Rehabilitation Specialist
Preventing Muscle Atrophy After Stroke: Essential Rehabilitation Tips
Muscle atrophy My dad is only 50 years old. Three months ago, he suddenly collapsed and had a stroke, falling into a coma and being admitted to the intensive care unit. Fortunately, he has slowly recovered and is now discharged. His speech is unclear; could this be due to damage ...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. I would like to respond to your question and provide the following suggestions: 1. Generally speaking, the prevention of muscle atrophy relies on active resistance exercises, so rehabilitation therapy must be prioritized. 2. Electrical stim...[Read More] Preventing Muscle Atrophy After Stroke: Essential Rehabilitation Tips
Understanding Mild Stroke: Symptoms and Rehabilitation Insights
Mild stroke Hello, Dr. Chen! My father has high blood pressure, and he has been very cautious about it, controlling it with medication for the past 20 years. He doesn't dare to go out when the weather is cold. The day before yesterday morning, he woke up and noticed that his...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello, Miss: Thank you for your inquiry. I would like to address your question and provide the following suggestions: Generally speaking, there are two possible scenarios: 1. Stroke 2. Facial nerve paralysis (peripheral type). A simple way to differentiate is to ask the patient t...[Read More] Understanding Mild Stroke: Symptoms and Rehabilitation Insights
Understanding the Rehabilitation Golden Period After Stroke: Is There Hope?
Rehabilitation golden period My uncle had a stroke a year ago. He drops small items and needs assistance to walk. He only underwent rehabilitation for a month right after the stroke and then returned home. I've heard that after the rehabilitation golden period, the chances o...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello, Miss: Thank you for your inquiry. I would like to address your questions and provide the following suggestions: 1. The so-called golden period for stroke treatment is within six months, and it can be extended up to one year. Beyond this golden period, the likelihood of s...[Read More] Understanding the Rehabilitation Golden Period After Stroke: Is There Hope?
Can Stroke Patients on Ventilators Apply for Air Mattresses?
Stroke patients My father suffered a stroke two months ago and has been in a coma since he was rushed to the hospital for emergency treatment. Can a stroke patient who is intubated apply for a pressure relief mattress? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello Sir: Thank you for your inquiry. I would like to address your question and provide the following suggestions: 1. Generally speaking, according to the latest regulations for assistive device applications as of December 2007, the eligibility criteria for a pressure-relievin...[Read More] Can Stroke Patients on Ventilators Apply for Air Mattresses?
Understanding Blood Pressure Readings: What’s Normal for Your Mom?
Blood pressure issues? Doctor, my mother exercises in the morning, and on Sundays, there are healthcare professionals measuring blood pressure for the public at a distance of about 30 meters. The readings were 118/70 before exercise and 137/90 after exercise. She was very nervous...
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello, Miss: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and suggestions: 1. Generally speaking, the World Health Organization has established a blood pressure guideline of 120/80 mmHg for the prevention and management of hypertension and stroke. A reading of 137/90 mmHg ...[Read More] Understanding Blood Pressure Readings: What’s Normal for Your Mom?
Caring for Mild Hemorrhagic Stroke: Tips to Prevent Deterioration
Mild stroke How to care for a mild hemorrhagic stroke to prevent deterioration? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Xianchang Reply:
Hello Sir: Thank you for your inquiry. I would like to respond to your questions and provide the following recommendations: 1. It is essential to monitor vital signs daily, including measuring blood pressure at least three times a day, and recording respiratory rate and pulse. ...[Read More] Caring for Mild Hemorrhagic Stroke: Tips to Prevent Deterioration