Simple Stroke Recovery Exercises & Therapy You Can Do At Home

Are you recovering from a stroke at home? Staying home doesn’t have to mean a standstill in your rehabilitation progress! There are plenty of activities you can do in your home to maintain and continue your recovery after inpatient stroke rehabilitation care.

Occupational Therapy Exercises for Stroke Patients

Incorporating your affected arm into functional tasks is so important! Use your affected arm for as many daily tasks as you can, in any way you can. Here are some examples of occupational therapy exercises to engage your arm or hand with in everyday activities.

  • Self-feeding (try finger foods if you can’t manage utensils yet)
  • Turning a doorknob
  • Opening a cabinet or drawer
  • Turning the faucet on and off
  • Picking items up from the floor or a table
  • Folding laundry
  • Applying toothpaste to a toothbrush
  • Wiping down a countertop, table, or window

The list is endless!

Physical Therapy Exercise-Based Activities

If you’re looking for more exercise-based activities, there are many household objects you can use in place of gym equipment to continue your physical therapy at home.

  • Canned goods and water bottles can serve as light dumbbells.
  • Need something a little heavier? When you’re finished with a jug of milk or juice, refill it with water! A full jug will weigh around 8.5 pounds, but you can control the weight by how much fill it.
  • Roll up a pair of thick socks to squeeze it to improve your grip strength.
  • Use tweezers or clothespins to strengthen your fingers.
  • Twist a towel/washcloth (as if wringing it out) to strengthen your forearm.
  • Use a hammer or a rubber mallet and lift your wrist up and down to improve your wrist mobility and grip strength.
  • Slide a towel front to back and in circles on a tabletop to stretch and strengthen your arm or complete up and down motions on a wall for more of a challenge.

Looking for activities to challenge your coordination after a stroke? Try these below.

  • Practice your handwriting
  • Cutting with scissors
  • Picking up coins
  • Buttoning
  • Counting out or shuffling cards

Be creative, and most importantly, keep that arm engaged!

Are you looking for cognitive brain exercises that help with stroke recovery? Check out this article!

If you or a loved one has suffered a stroke and are seeking physical rehab, Sheltering Arms Institute offers a well-rounded, effective care experience. Fill out our contact form or call (804) 764-1000 to schedule an appointment or learn more.

Share This Post:

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
RehaBlog

More Posts

Floor Transfers: Why They’re Important

Floor transfers, the ability to get down and rise from the floor without assistance, are an indicator of an individual’s functional independence, quality of life, and a predictor of longevity and overall health. This seemingly simple movement represents a complex integration of strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination that is closely linked to one’s overall functional mobility.

Heart Healthy Foods

Five Foods That Promote Heart Health

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death among men, women, and most ethnic groups in the United States. While some risk factors—such as age, gender, and family history—are beyond our control, many other factors can be managed through lifestyle choices. Diet, physical activity, stress management, and avoiding tobacco all play a critical role in supporting heart health.

Coping With Seasonal Depression

Winter can take a toll on your mood and energy, especially as daylight hours decrease. Learn how understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and using a few practical strategies can support your mental health throughout the colder months.

How Exercise Improves Brain Health

It’s a new year, which for many of us means setting fitness goals—but exercise isn’t just about building muscle or improving heart health. Staying active is also one of the best ways to support your brain. Regular movement can improve memory, decision-making, and overall cognitive function, which is especially important for reducing the risk of memory loss or dementia.

Universal Cuffs

Adaptive Equipment Following Spinal Cord Injury

Globally, there are more than 15 million people living with spinal cord injury (SCI). SCI can often limit your physical capacity to perform certain tasks; however, with modifications and the integration of various pieces of adaptive equipment, you can continue to be independent and engage in meaningful daily activities. Below are the top 3 recommended adaptive equipment devices* for individuals with spinal cord injury.

Start your Journey

Learn more about Sheltering Arms Institute

Contact a specialist at Sheltering Arms Institute to learn more about how you can gain more freedom in your everyday life.