If your doctor has recommended that you seek occupational therapy, he will send you to a specialist who can set up appointments for you to come in and get the help you need. They will put you on a program in order to increase your movements and will also offer you many ways of doing these exercises at home. There are a number of things you can do yourself in order to increase your recovery.
Balancing Exercise
In order to get your balance back in line, you will want to stand with your feet set shoulder length apart. Slowly raise one leg and keep your knee slightly bent. Stand on the other foot as long as you possibly can. Lower the raised foot back to the floor and rest for approximately 10 – 15 seconds. Repeat this activity with the other foot.
Rotate Your Upper Body
Standing with your back straight, place your hands on your hips. Move only the upper portion of your body first to one side and then the other. As you turn to each side, hold the position for 10 seconds. You can also do this by crossing your arms and placing your fingertips at your shoulders. This exercise can also be done several times a day.
Walking
If you are able to walk on your own, it is recommended that you do so at least three times a week for 20 minutes at a time. This will increase the blood flow through your body. If you need to use a treadmill, many of them will come with harnesses and support bars that you can hold onto while walking.
Body Movement Using A Broom Or Cane
While holding your arms out and bent at the elbows, use a cane or a broom stick to slowly turn from left to right. This can be done either sitting or standing. With each turn, hold the position for a few seconds before moving again.
Working On Fine Motor Skills
In order to get more dexterity in the hands, you may want to use dough in order to squeeze and shape it. Use a tweezer to pick up small objects or pieces of paper.
Developing Gross Motor Skills
Gross motor skills include most of the muscles in the body working together. Using a ball to catch and throw back is a great way to develop these skills.
Stretching Exercises
Any type of stretching is good practice in occupational therapy. It can be done in many ways and either in a sitting or standing position. Take your time and rest in between each stretch.
No matter what type of exercise you use, be consistent. You must do them in order to recover from your injury.
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