I am of the opinion that one of the best things you can do for yourself after a stroke is buy a treadmill – if you can walk that is. If you can’t walk yet leave it to the rehab professionals. But, as soon as you can walk, buy a treadmill for your home. You don’t have to go fast, go really slow if you need to. Be safe, safety first. A treadmill does a lot of things. First, it gets you walking, this will improve your gait. There are published research studies that say treadmill walking helps neuroplasticity. This is the rewiring of the brain. I was a lucky one – I could walk soon after my stroke. So after a few months I bought a treadmill. At first I walked a ton. I just got on the treadmill everyday. Now, this is my routine….a 5 minute warm-up followed by 30 minutes of intervals followed by 20-30 more minutes of just plain walking. For more info on interval training go here. I absolutely love my treadmill.
Categories: Recovery, Rehab, Stroke stuff
mycerebellarstrokerecovery 
I’m just wondering is using a walker the same as walking? I don’t really know how to feel about it.
No. 😦 If you’re still using a walker I’d be afraid to have you do a treadmill. Is that what you are asking?
Pretty much.
My momwants to get a treadmill, part of me is excited because I’m starting to figure some of this stuff out.I wish I had someone to ask, sorry to keep dumping all this on you. I love. Reading your blog!
No, no don’t apologize! It makes me feel good that I can help you. Whenever you’re upgraded to a cane, try the treadmill. I started using a treadmill at home when I was still using a cane. Just go real slow at first and don’t let go of the handlebars on the treadmill.
Until then, take a lot of walks with your walker.
Ok I’m giggling at the thought of letting go of the bars. We tried it in therapy and you can’t imagine the death grip I had on those. I find it interesting that even before my stroke I was a bar gripper
I had a death grip on the bars too at first. 🙂