For Stroke Survivors

Extract from the Harvard BioRobotics Laboratory research into Stroke Recovery. Click here for further information.

"Case reports documenting the use of hypnosis in conjunction with stroke rehabilitation therapy date back to the 1950’s. Some of the reports describe extraordinary improvements in leg and arm functioning that occurred spontaneously during the hypnotic sessions and which were retained during the following months.

Others documented dramatic increases in limb strength or range of motion occurring from 6 to 18 months after the stroke event when further functional improvement was not expected.

These positive trends suggest that hypnosis may tap into cognitive resources that improve motor learning beyond standard physical therapy. This may be explained by the observation that motor learning is both a physical and mental process which can help with factors such as personality and outlook thereby beneficially influencing the patient’s recovery. Of course there is no guarantee of any improvement. The research into this, so far, is severely limited. However, with future trials becoming more prevalent, it is hoped that a greater consistency of improvement within the patient, both physically and emotionally, will be achieved.

What the clinical use of hypnosis hopes to accomplish is to improve the efficacy of motor learning, thereby improving the patient’s mobility and strength in the un-recovered limb or, where affected, in their speech.

The reasoning behind this is based on the hypothesis that hypnotic regression to time periods prior to the stroke event will enhance motor cortex reorganization and improve limb and speech performance in chronic stroke patients."

In my own research, hypnotic intervention will be applied for a total of 8 sessions over a period of six months. At each stage, measurements of physical change together with the patient’s own view of their progress will be monitored.

The after effects of a stroke can be very devastating for both the survivor and their family. Learning and following the three 'P's brings about a quicker acceptance of the situation and a more positive attitude towards the subsequent improvement.

BE PATIENT - Progress after a stroke event is often very slow. Looking daily for improvements is something that should not be encouraged. Look back over a longer period of time; a week, a month, three months. It is then that improvements will be noticed.

BE POSITIVE - Keeping a positive outlook greatly enhances the chances for permanent change.

BE PERSISTENT - Being persistent with the exercise regime on a regular basis encourages nerves and muscles to re-learn that which was lost.