10 Tips for Improved Walking for the Severely Affected Stroke Patient
Natural therapist Walter Kocken author of the book Stroke: How to Reduce Risk And Aid Recovery – Naturally has compiled 10 tips for improved walking for the severely affected stroke patient who requires assistance from a stick or frame.
These are:
- Do Not Rush
Learn to walk in a relaxed, calm manner and you will get to your destination more quickly.
- Learn Relaxation Techniques
Incorporating Relaxation Techniques releases muscle tension in the affected leg allowing for easier movement and a better way of walking.
- Try Not To Walk Or Stand For Long Periods
Walking or standing for too long creates additional muscle tension in the affected leg that will become very noticeable that same evening and into the next day(s).
- Be Aware Of Slippery Or Uneven Surfaces
Walking tends to deteriorate when surfaces are slippery or uneven, especially if the patient is experiencing anxieties.
- Try Not To Talk Whilst Walking
For the severely affected stroke patient attaining good levels of concentration and awareness whilst walking are essential. Talking is suggested after the patient stops walking and attains a balanced position.
- Experiencing Negative Emotions Will Affect Walking
When the patient experiences anxiety/fear, anger, and/or depression this has a tendency to create additional muscle tension in the affected leg that will affect walking.
- Talk To Yourself With A Silent Affirmation
The stroke patient can from time to time experience moments of panic. By using a silent affirmation in the form of “I am calm and relaxed” this can potentially override panic and improve walking.
- Be Aware Of Climbing Steps And Steep Slopes
Maintaining balance, attaining good levels of concentration and awareness are essential when climbing steps and steep slopes. This activity is guaranteed to create additional muscle tension in the affected leg that will become noticeable later in the evening and into the next day(s).
- Be Cautious When Walking In A Crowded Environment
The unpredictability of people in a crowded environment can make walking a difficult exercise for the stroke patient. If people are too close, it is advisable for the stroke patient to stop, attain balance, wait for the person to pass and then to move to forward.
- Walking In Cold Weather Can Be More Difficult
Cold weather increases muscle tension in the affected leg and can make walking a more difficult exercise.
Foot Reflexology - An Important Treatment for Stroke Patients
Research indicates that the application of FOOT REFLEXOLOGY can play a vital in helping stroke patients recover from stroke.
Natural therapist Walter Kocken, author of A Guide To RECOVERING FROM STROKE – NATURALLY (A Revolutionary Approach) and himself a Foot Reflexologist of 20 years standing, has noted how effective this treatment can be in releasing significant muscle tension in the affected limbs of stroke patients. As most stroke patients will be aware of, experiencing excess muscle tension may possibly be their greatest obstacle to moving their affected arm efficiently and/or walking in an easier manner.
The author also noted, after years of treating countless case studies, how regular FOOT REFLEXOLOGY improved warmth in the affected limbs of patients, something that orthodox treatment in the form of PHYSIOTHERAPY was not able to consistently achieve.
As stroke impairs functioning of the brain, the application of FOOT REFLEXOLOGY introduces stroke patients to deep states of relaxation that ultimately helps improve concentration and awareness levels so necessary in promoting recovery from stroke.
FOOT REFLEXOLOGY may be deemed an unorthodox treatment, however, it is fast gaining a reputation as important for stroke patients.
Other Benefits Of FOOT REFLEXOLOGY include:
- Can promote sensitivity to a numbed affected foot;
- Encourages tingling sensations in the affected body – a positive sign of recovery.
- As a diagnostic tool can indicate potential stroke many weeks/months in advance.
Reducing High Blood Pressure - Naturally
Case Study – Daphne
Daphne, 82 years old, has suffered from high blood pressure for over 10 years. In that period of time doctors have experimented with a variety of blood pressure medications in order to control her problem.
Unfortunately, as of January 2006, Daphne’s high blood pressure suddenly escalated to dangerously high levels – despite her numerous blood pressure medications. Figures in the range of 230/130 mm Hg were noted, and her symptoms of severe head pain indicated potential stroke.
Natural therapist Walter Kocken, author of the book Stroke: How to Reduce Risk And Aid Recovery – Naturally who had himself suffered from high blood pressure and overcome the problem using natural approaches, advocated a simple, easy to learn breathing technique for Daphne in reducing her dangerously high blood pressure.
He advised no changes to her medications (unless advised by her doctor) and asked her to apply a deep breathing technique 3 times a day for 10-15 minutes each time – preferably in a quiet environment where she could attain a state of calmness. He also made a few extra comments for Daphne to be aware of. These included:
- By breathing through the nose, it is important to breathe out slowly (with literally no air left in the lungs), before breathing in again. Do not force the rhythm of breathing, but let it develop with the passing of the days;
- When first applying the breathing technique, it is important to start slowly, at first for only a few minutes (3 times a day) before gradually building up to the 10-15 minutes.
- With time, breathing will become natural and easy without being forced in anyway.
The results of the easy to learn breathing technique were so encouraging for Daphne, that she experienced relief from her head pains within days. Five weeks after her dangerously high readings, her blood pressure was in the vicinity of 138/78 mm Hg – an extraordinary turn around and her best for over 10 years!
Panic – An enemy to avoid for the stroke patient
It is known that panic can trigger a series of adverse reactions, forcing the heart to work harder, and narrowing arteries that ultimately restrict blood flow. If blood pressure and cholesterol levels are already high, panic will inflate them further making one susceptible to potential heart attack and/or stroke.
In Stroke: How to Reduce the Risk and Promote Recovery – Naturally by Walter Kocken, the author mentions the importance of neutralising the effects of panic by helping stroke patients to consistently attain a state of calmness. Not only does this potentially reduce the risk of further stroke, but it is also likely to improve the patient’s ability to walk with greater ease and comfort, to use an affected arm with greater efficiency, and even allow patients suffering from aphasia to speak with more fluency.
Many stroke patients will be aware of how panic can literally freeze them to the spot, making them incredibly vulnerable and unable to move. By teaching the patient how to attain a state of calmness – with the use of simple Relaxation Techniques, the author clearly demonstrates how the stroke patient can attain better control of their affected body, and in the process reduce their potential for further.
Improving Walking and Overcoming Anxiety Attacks
Case Study – Mike
Having experienced a severe stroke 10 years earlier, 45 year old Mike suffered from steadily increasing muscle tension in his affected body (especially his leg) and was prone to sudden anxiety attacks – usually in awkward situations such as crossing a road, or walking in a crowded environment.
After his stroke, Mike received intensive physiotherapy to promote feeling and movement in his affected leg, especially. This treatment allowed Mike to resume walking, although his affected body still lacked feeling and flexibility, and always seemed to be ‘tight’ with muscle tension.
As years progressed, Mike experienced greater difficulties with walking, primarily as a result of experiencing continuing muscle tension in his affected leg (this is a common scenario for the stroke patient).
After consulting various ‘experts’ in the field of stroke, Mike eventually turned to natural stroke therapist Walter Kocken, author of Stroke: How to Reduce the Risk and Promote Recovery – Naturally whose first thoughts concerning Mike appear as follows:
“Mike’s body was rigid with tension, especially his affected shoulder, arm, hand, hip, groin and the leg itself. For a stroke patient, Mike walked at a rapid rate, his affected leg straining to keep pace with his speed.
Mike has difficulty in just climbing a few steps at a time, despite assistance from hand railings. Physically he seems capable of accomplishing this task, but mentally he appears to develop a mental ‘block’ that needs further understanding.”
Mike was instructed in learning how to reduce muscle tension in the affected body with Relaxation Techniques, especially whilst seated or lying down. When walking, Mike was to slow his pace dramatically, realising how this action ultimately reduces muscle tension in the affected leg/body.
Walter is also aware that groin tension is a major obstacle in walking with any degree of comfort, He is confident that stroke patients can learn how to significantly reduce tension in this area.
Concerning climbing a few steps with the support of a handrail, it was discovered that a fall many years earlier had made Mike anxious. By going through this task with the support of his therapist, Mike became able to overcome his mental ‘block’ of steps. With practice, crossing a road and walking in a crowded environment became easier tasks to perform.
After months of support, Mike eventually could reduce muscle tension in his affected body, walk with greater ease and comfort at a slower pace, and gradually overcome his anxiety attacks that so debilitated him.