Stroke Recovery Rehab

In this episode, I’ll recap an article I recently wrote with the Brain Injury Association of America, reflecting on some lessons learned through four years of stroke recovery.I share some thoughts on how neuroplasticity provides hope for stroke survivors, how to embrace change after stroke, and how to learn from setbacks in the years-long journey that is recovery after stroke.For more information about the Brain Injury Association and to find their many resources on brain injury and stroke recovery, visit the association’s website at BIAUSA.org.For more stroke recovery resources, read the free monthly newsletter at https://strokerecoveryrehab.substack.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit strokerecoveryrehab.substack.com

After a stroke, it’s easy to say no to new activities or challenging situations. But while that may feel good in the moment, the comfort trap of learned helplessness is often where progress in recovery slows down.In this episode, I’m joined by Nir Peled, a stroke survivor and author of the Beyond 100% newsletter, to discuss key takeaways from an article we wrote, Embracing the Challenges of Stroke Recovery.*Note: This podcast was originally recorded as a Substack Live event on February 16, 2026.Key Moments:(1:15) About Nir(4:30) Learning From Near-Death Experiences(7:25) Why Getting Too Comfortable is a Trap(12:00) It’s Easy to Say No After a Stroke(17:05) The Importance of Rest(17:45) The “Don’t Get Injured” Rule(22:15) Listening to Your Subconscious vs. External Voices(24:05) The “Learning From Experts” Rule(29:00) Giving Yourself Grace(31:10) How to Connect With Nir This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit strokerecoveryrehab.substack.com

The first year after a stroke is often held up as this holy grail of how long it will take to recover.While it is true that significant progress can be made in year one, recovery after stroke doesn’t end after 12 months.You can continue to see and feel improvements in your abilities for many years after stroke.In this episode, I share some thoughts on stroke recovery timelines and why setting aggressive deadlines in your recovery can sometimes backfire.For more information on stroke recovery timelines, be sure to review the links and resources that I’ve included in this article: https://strokerecoveryrehab.com/2024/08/01/the-dangers-of-setting-deadlines-in-stroke-recovery/For more stroke recovery resources, read the free monthly newsletter: https://strokerecoveryrehab.substack.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit strokerecoveryrehab.substack.com

In this episode, I share my experiences with walking backward in recovery after stroke and how this simple exercise turned out to be pretty helpful.Studies show that stroke survivors may benefit from walking backward in a variety of ways.For example, there’s evidence that this practice can improve a stroke survivor’s balance and gait – a person’s manner of walking.In my experience, the cliché “The faster you can move backward, the faster you can move forward” was certainly true for me.For more information on how walking backward can help stroke survivors, be sure to review the links and resources that I’ve included in this article: https://strokerecoveryrehab.com/2023/09/01/the-many-benefits-of-walking-backward-in-stroke-recovery/For more stroke recovery resources, read the free monthly newsletter: https://strokerecoveryrehab.substack.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit strokerecoveryrehab.substack.com

A good night’s sleep is one of the most important things that can improve recovery after a stroke since it’s critical for neuroplasticity.Unfortunately, a common side effect of stroke is trouble sleeping. In turn, every other aspect of recovery is subsequently made more challenging than it already is without a good night’s sleep.In this episode, I share my frustrating challenges with sleep after stroke and some of the supplements and simple lifestyle changes that helped me to sleep better after strokeFor more information on these strategies to improve sleep after stroke, be sure to review the links and resources that I’ve included in this article: https://strokerecoveryrehab.com/2023/04/01/10-ideas-to-sleep-better-after-stroke/For more stroke recovery resources, read the free monthly newsletter: https://strokerecoveryrehab.substack.com/*The information provided on supplements in this episode and on others is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Consult your physician before starting any new supplement regimen. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit strokerecoveryrehab.substack.com

In this episode, I’ll discuss my experiences with constraint-induced therapy after stroke and how this can be an effective practice for stroke survivors.Constraint-induced movement therapy is exactly as it sounds – restraining one arm behind the back, so the stroke-affected arm and hand must perform the required activity.Although some rehabilitation facilities provide specialized constraint-induced movement therapy sessions, it’s a simple training exercise that can be done at home.The modified version of constraint-induced therapy can be done by placing one arm behind your back without restraint and forcing yourself to use your stroke-affected hand for any activity.For more information on constraint-induced therapy practices, be sure to review the links and resources I’ve included in this article: https://strokerecoveryrehab.com/2024/04/01/why-constraint-induced-therapy-is-important-after-stroke/For more stroke recovery resources, read the free monthly newsletter at https://strokerecoveryrehab.substack.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit strokerecoveryrehab.substack.com

Anxiety is a common side effect of stroke, especially considering people can worry about having another stroke.Research indicates that roughly 20% of stroke survivors may have anxiety-related issues.After stroke, I’ve found a variety of breathing exercises to be helpful in navigating the frustrating challenges that a stroke can cause, including anxiety.In this episode, I’ll be discussing two simple breathing patterns that have helped me work through some post-stroke anxiety.For more information on post-stroke anxiety and the breathing exercises I’ve mentioned, be sure to review the links and resources in this article: https://strokerecoveryrehab.com/2024/09/01/simple-breathing-practices-to-manage-anxiety-after-stroke/For more stroke recovery resources, read the free monthly newsletter at https://strokerecoveryrehab.substack.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit strokerecoveryrehab.substack.com

While cognitive challenges caused by stroke are not visible like physical deficits, they still pose a substantial challenge in recovery.In this episode, I discuss some of the mental challenges that can come with stroke recovery and how these deficits can sometimes be overlooked compared to the physical deficits after stroke.For more information on cognitive challenges after stroke, be sure to review the links and resources that I’ve included in this article: https://strokerecoveryrehab.com/2025/04/01/understanding-cognitive-challenges-in-stroke-recovery/For more stroke recovery resources, read the free monthly newsletter at https://strokerecoveryrehab.substack.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit strokerecoveryrehab.substack.com

While the road to recovery after a stroke looks different for everyone, creating a personalized structure that supports ongoing progress is one of the most important things a stroke survivor can do.In this episode, I’m joined by occupational therapist and stroke survivor Anadee Nikte to discuss neuroplasticity-friendly habits that can support recovery after stroke.*Note: This podcast was originally recorded as a Substack Live event on November 12, 2025.To read the blog Anadee and I discuss, visit https://strokerecoveryrehab.com/2025/11/01/creating-a-plan-for-ongoing-progress-in-stroke-recovery/For more stroke recovery resources, read the free monthly blog at https://strokerecoveryrehab.substack.com/Key Moments:(01:00) - About Anadee(03:55) - Mindset after stroke(09:25) - Neuroplasticity-friendly habits(12:30) - Benefits of journaling(15:15) - Focus on small wins(19:40) - How has being an OT affected Anadee’s recovery after stroke(22:15) - How has being a stroke survivor affected Anadee’s work as an OT(25:00) - Optimizing the home environment for success(26:45) - How to connect with Anadee This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit strokerecoveryrehab.substack.com

In this episode, I discuss why mindset is important in recovery after stroke and how our perspectives on situations can sometimes help and hurt us.It’s difficult to stay positive after a stroke as you work through various mental and physical deficits for years, trying to get closer to the person you were before stroke.However, simply believing that there can be better days ahead is helpful as you navigate the many challenges that stroke brings.For more information on the importance of mindset in stroke recovery be sure to review the links and resources that I’ve included in this article: https://strokerecoveryrehab.com/2024/11/01/why-mindset-matters-in-recovery-after-stroke/For more stroke recovery resources, read the free monthly newsletter: https://strokerecoveryrehab.substack.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit strokerecoveryrehab.substack.com

In this episode, I’ll discuss the concept of post-traumatic growth, or how living through a traumatic experience, like a stroke, can make you more resilient over time.Post-traumatic growth is commonly discussed in stroke survivor communities, with ample testimonials from stroke survivors saying their stroke experience has led to some potential benefits.While post-traumatic growth can occur after a stroke, it’s not a guarantee since suffering and trauma don’t always lead to growth.For more information on post-traumatic growth and how it applies to stroke recovery, be sure to review the links and resources that I’ve included in this article: https://strokerecoveryrehab.com/2025/10/01/what-is-post-traumatic-growth-after-stroke/For more stroke recovery resources, read the free monthly newsletter at https://strokerecoveryrehab.substack.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit strokerecoveryrehab.substack.com

In this episode, I share how setting monthly goals helped me to make progress in recovery after stroke.In the years since my stroke, setting short-term goals that covered a variety of my interests has helped me to believe recovery is always progressing and prevented me from being discouraged that I’m not the person I used to be.Recovery after stroke doesn’t happen overnight, but following some simple goal-setting strategies can be an effective way to help you keep moving forward in life after stroke.For more information on setting goals in stroke recovery, be sure to review the links and resources I’ve included throughout this article: https://strokerecoveryrehab.com/2024/01/01/setting-goals-in-stroke-recovery/For more stroke recovery resources, read the free monthly newsletter: https://strokerecoveryrehab.substack.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit strokerecoveryrehab.substack.com

In this episode, I’ll share some common misconceptions about stroke recovery.While the doctors, nurses, and therapists that I met after stroke largely gave me great advice and suggestions on how to move forward in life after stroke, there are some concepts that I wish had been explained differently.These are the three things I wish I had better understood in the earliest days of recovery.For more information on these common misconceptions about stroke recovery, be sure to review the links and resources that I’ve included in this article: https://strokerecoveryrehab.com/2025/09/01/three-misconceptions-about-stroke-recovery/For more stroke recovery resources, read the free monthly newsletter: https://strokerecoveryrehab.substack.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit strokerecoveryrehab.substack.com

Journaling has long been seen as a therapeutic tool to help people navigate their emotions.In this episode, I’ll share why I’ve enjoyed keeping a personal journal on my experiences in stroke recovery and how journaling can help stroke survivors.I’ve journaled regularly in the years since my stroke, sitting down at my desk to write whenever I think of a story or experience that I’d like to remember.My notebook holding all of my stroke-related experiences has become my recovery manual of sorts – collecting my initial thoughts on what has helped me the most and what hasn’t helped.I’ve enjoyed journaling after stroke so much that I wish I had started sooner.For more information on starting a stroke recovery journal, be sure to review the links and resources that I’ve included in this article: https://strokerecoveryrehab.com/2024/02/01/the-benefits-of-journaling-in-recovery-after-stroke/For more stroke recovery resources, read the free monthly newsletter: https://strokerecoveryrehab.substack.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit strokerecoveryrehab.substack.com

After a stroke, change is constantFrom the immediate onslaught of negative physical, mental, and psychological impacts to the years-long recovery journey filled with large and small wins in physical therapy, you’ll notice many changes along the way, sometimes unexpectedly.In this episode, I share some thoughts on adjusting to change after a stroke and why sometimes that change isn’t always negative.For more information on accepting change after stroke, be sure to review the links and resources that I’ve included in this article: https://strokerecoveryrehab.com/2025/08/01/accepting-change-after-stroke/For more stroke recovery resources, read the free monthly newsletter at https://strokerecoveryrehab.substack.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit strokerecoveryrehab.substack.com

Setbacks are unfortunately a common occurrence for stroke survivors. The cliché “Progress isn’t linear” certainly applies to recovery after stroke.While setbacks are undoubtedly frustrating and discouraging, they offer a chance to reconsider your approach to life after stroke. They can be an opportunity to make changes and learn from any mistakes you may have been making.In this episode, I’ll share my experience with post-stroke recrudescence that sent me back to the ER, along with a few ideas on how to bounce back when it feels like you’ve had a setback in stroke recovery.For more information on post-stroke recrudescence and strategies on how to bounce back after setbacks in stroke recovery, be sure to review the links and resources that I’ve included in this article: https://strokerecoveryrehab.com/2024/03/01/how-to-bounce-back-after-setbacks-in-stroke-recovery/For more stroke recovery resources, read the free monthly newsletter at https://strokerecoveryrehab.substack.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit strokerecoveryrehab.substack.com

In this episode, I’ll be sharing why I started drinking beet juice after stroke, along with some interesting research on how beet juice could potentially support neuroplasticity.Like any supplement, beet juice isn’t going to bring about dramatic improvements in your post-stroke abilities, but it has the potential to improve your stamina for physical therapy sessions, thereby possibly improving recovery after stroke.If you can get past the less-than-stellar taste of beet juice, it may be a helpful addition to your diet after a stroke.For more information on beet juice and how it could be helpful for stroke survivors, be sure to review the links and resources that I’ve included in this article: https://strokerecoveryrehab.com/2025/07/01/can-beet-juice-help-stroke-survivors/Read the free monthly newsletter with more stroke recovery resources at https://strokerecoveryrehab.substack.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit strokerecoveryrehab.substack.com

Balance issues are one of the most common challenges in recovery after stroke.Due to weakness and a lack of sensation on the stroke-affected side, stroke survivors are especially at risk for falls.In this episode, I’m joined by physical therapist and stroke survivor David Dansereau to talk about our experiences in improving balance after stroke.*Note: This podcast was originally recorded as a Substack Live event on February 28, 2025.To read the blog David and I discuss, visit https://strokerecoveryrehab.com/2025/03/01/balance-training-after-stroke-the-importance-of-single-leg-stands/To learn more about David Dansereau and Know Stroke, check out his Substack at https://knowstroke.substack.com/Read the free monthly newsletter at https://strokerecoveryrehab.substack.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit strokerecoveryrehab.substack.com

In this episode, I’ll share my experiences with meditation in stroke recovery, along with some simple tips that can help stroke survivors who are interested in starting their own meditation practice.A meditation practice won’t solve all of your challenges in stroke recovery, but it can provide a momentary pause from the many frustrating aspects of life after stroke.For more information on meditation and how it can benefit stroke survivors, be sure to review the links and resources that I’ve included in this article.Read the blog at: https://strokerecoveryrehab.com/2023/11/01/how-meditation-can-benefit-stroke-survivors/Read the free monthly newsletter at: https://strokerecoveryrehab.substack.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit strokerecoveryrehab.substack.com

In this episode, I’ll share my experiences in attending stroke survivor support groups.Over the years, I’ve found talking with other stroke survivors to be a valuable resource since you can discuss your challenges with people in the same situation.For more information on the benefits of stroke survivor support groups and to find a support group near you, be sure to review the links and resources I’ve included in this article.Learn more at https://strokerecoveryrehab.com/2024/07/01/the-benefits-of-stroke-survivor-support-groups/Read the free monthly newsletter at https://strokerecoveryrehab.substack.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit strokerecoveryrehab.substack.com