I am wondering if it would be possible to compile a list of gadgets, toys, tools, apps to help with training the affected arm?
Does anyone know of an good simple touch typing app to measure / train the affected hand? I’m on (don’t laugh) 8 words per minute, with 1 finger. My new keyboard has better keys that I can feel / hear depress. My non-dominant hand started out at about 8 words per minute, and is now on 25. I aim for a similar improvement with my affected hand.
I’m also interested in objects that can stimulate sensation and feeling. The sort of game I like is putting objects in a bag, and trying to guess what those objects are by feel. I’ve forgotten what the term is for this ability.
I’m also interested in mirror therapy, but in my case it’s not for movement, but for feeling / sensation. I think up my own techniques, but I am aware that especially in the US there are official exercises listed. Does anyone here use mirror therapy?
I’m interested in all techniques, methods and objects that can be used to improve control, dexterity, feeling, etc. I expect there are many options, but I haven’t come across a good resource, because I haven’t been looking hard.
@pando i don’t have any official apps, toys etc but I did things like putting pegs on rim of a tub, picking up and moving jigsaw puzzle pieces, squeezing putty & stress balls & colouring in, squeezing toothpaste tubes etc.
For typing it was just practice…when i sent a message I used my affected hand. It got quicker & easier over time.
Not sure that is what you’re looking for but all those things helped me.
The pink one - expand the palm
The green band - different lengths for gripping an pulling - side ways or downwards with a long one hooked over a door. good for shoulder strengthening.
Blue hand device - squeeze together to strengthen wrist and arm
I’ll have to get back to on the pink one. My OT gave it to me this morning.
The blue one (pack of 2) are from Replab Consulting Ltd (Cardiff based), called a hand grip.
Hi Roland @pando,
Stereognosis is the term you were looking for regarding the ability to differenciate objects by touch alone - not there yet myself but have got to the point where I can, more frequently, find my pocket but I just haven’t got a clue what’s in it (total nightmare when my phone is in there on vibrate - missed call after missed call).
One random hand training tool that i picked up, in a charity shop, a couple of months ago is a pair of Baoding balls
I remembered having a set in my late teens and that I’d found them relaxing so I splurged a whole £3 and now use them when I’m on tele/video calls during work.
Think that they are really helping with dexterity, mainly because I’m too scared to drop them during a work call due to the chiming sound they make.
I also have these Chinese Baoding balls, with pandas on them (apologies to @KGB). They were given to me years ago by a Chinese violin student years before my stroke, and somehow I didn’t think of using them for therapy, but that’s what they’re for!! I was using 3 walnuts, which are slightly smaller, and you juggle them in your hand… a very old school Chinese rehab. therapy… like my Chinese dr. / old school.
I started a thread on mirror therapy, pity this post missed being included in it. However, keeping ourselves stimulated is priceless, so I’m glad you’re having fun. Enjoy !
@Nigelglos to be honest, as soon as I saw the coconut(s) I immediately thought of Monty Python and The Holy Grail
Glad to hear that this is helping, I’m sure that I’ve got a spare mirror tile somewhere so if I can find it then I’ll give it a go.
One other thing that I have been doing is passing objects, whatever is to hand (pun not intended), between my hands with my eyes closed to compare the difference in touch sensation (and weight perception) whilst trying to tell my brain that what I sense with my right hand is correct. Although knowing my luck I’ll end up training my good hand to be as bad as my bad hand!!
Hello Pando,
My physio calls the pink finger stretcher; circular finger stretcher resistance band.
I did find similar idea as - hand grip strengthener or Hand Round Rings And Finger Stretcher Gripping Grip Ball.
See what you think when you google it.
Following!!! Thanks for this new post! OOPS, I should have said Watching, as that is what I changed to in order to get all the updates on this! Wish we could use the same ‘wording’ across all platforms that perform the same function.
You have had a lot of replies and I will read them later. I just add a couple of things I did.
I purchased a touch sensetive keyboard for my computer to replace the old one.
When I go for my morning walk I pick up a twig from the garden and all the time when walking I’m working it to death, tying to break it or at least twirl it through my fingers. If I drop it I can leave it where it fell since it is not rubbish and I’m breaking no law!
It is now nearly ten years since I had my stroke which did its best to wipe out my right side. I now can play guitar and keyboards again (Pretty badly but better than not at all) and walk without a stick.
Regards
Deigh
Deigh
Hey, Mikey
There are some sharp utensils there, be careful!
Here’s my workout of the day
Click until you are taken to the video.
it’s fun to do ; now I will try with little dry beans
Have fun, ciao, Roland
and now use them when I’m on tele/video calls during work.
