Stroke Recovery Rehab

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

Since my stroke, I’ve often joked with people that I feel like I’m solar-powered.In this episode, I’ll be discussing one of the most important and one of my favorite lessons learned in recovery after stroke — Get outside as often as possible!Simple things like taking a walk, spending time in the morning sitting outside, and working on physical therapy exercises outdoors, can all support stroke survivors in their recovery.If you’re anything like me, moving your activities outdoors might make you feel like you’re solar-powered, giving you a boost in energy and improving your recovery after stroke.Learn more at: https://strokerecoveryrehab.com/2025/06/01/how-outdoor-activities-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 share my experience with the app Carbon Diet Coach and how its nutritional guidance helped me in recovery after stroke.Carbon Diet Coach is a calorie tracking and nutrition coaching app that provides recommended weekly calorie counts for those seeking to gain, lose or maintain weight.Carbon has helped me both before and after my stroke to eat in a manner that supported my specific goals at the time.Without it, I don’t believe my recovery after stroke would have progressed as well as it has.To learn more about the Carbon Diet Coach app, be sure to review the links and resources I’ve included in this article.Read the blog at: https://strokerecoveryrehab.com/2023/02/01/how-carbon-diet-coach-supports-recovery-after-stroke/Subscribe to 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 my experience with mental practice in stroke recovery, along with some simple tips on how these exercises can support stroke survivors.One of the biggest benefits of mental practice is its simplicity. It’s something you can do anywhere and anytime.Research has shown that mental training can be an effective complement to real-world practice for stroke survivors looking to improve their post-stroke abilities.Although mental practice is not going to provide dramatic overnight improvements in recovery after stroke, I’ve greatly enjoyed adding visualization practices into my post-stroke rehab work.For more information on mental practice and to try a visualization exercise, be sure to review the links and resources I’ve included in this article.Read the full blog at https://strokerecoveryrehab.com/2023/10/01/the-power-of-visualization-practice-in-stroke-recovery/Subscribe to 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

When I finally felt comfortable starting a new book and reading some stroke recovery literature, I was overwhelmed by all of the books for stroke survivors that were available on Amazon.Over the years, as I’ve searched for information that would help me in recovery after stroke, I’ve found that many of the lists that promote the “Best Books to Read After Stroke” are all pretty similar.Instead, some of the books that had the biggest impact on my recovery had absolutely no relation to stroke.In this episode, I’ll share a list of some inspiring books that you might not find recommended elsewhere to help your recovery after stroke.Visit the blog: https://strokerecoveryrehab.com/2023/05/01/the-5-best-books-i-read-in-stroke-recovery/Subscribe to 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, there is no uniform stroke recovery timeline.Just as they say no two strokes are the same, no two stroke recoveries are alike.Everyone progresses at their own pace toward goals unique to their situation.Considering the fluctuations in how you can feel day-to-day after a stroke, taking a step back to look at long-term progress is a much more appropriate way to think about making progress.In this episode, I’ll share some thoughts on how stroke survivors can best measure their progress in recovery and why I regret not taking more photos and videos sooner.Learn more at https://strokerecoveryrehab.com/2024/06/01/measuring-progress-in-recovery-after-stroke/Sign up for 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 why maintaining a healthy circadian rhythm is an underrated strategy for stroke survivors to improve their recovery after stroke.For stroke survivors, a disrupted circadian rhythm can hurt neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to form new neural connections to recover the skills that were lost due to stroke.When recovering from a stroke, learning how to manage your day as it best aligns with your circadian clock can be a powerful tool to improve your well-being and reduce some of the fatigue that comes with recovery.Learn more at https://strokerecoveryrehab.com/2025/05/01/how-to-use-your-circadian-rhythm-to-support-recovery-after-stroke/Sign up for 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

Mancala quickly became a favorite game of mine in the early weeks and months after stroke because it mimicked many of the hand exercises I worked on in therapy sessions.Read the blog at https://strokerecoveryrehab.com/2023/12/01/mancala-the-perfect-board-game-for-stroke-survivors/Subscribe to 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

Every stroke survivor knows how frustrating fatigue can be after stroke.In this article, I wanted to share how a yoga nidra meditation practice has helped me to feel less exhausted throughout the day.Read the blog at https://strokerecoveryrehab.com/2022/12/01/fighting-fatigue-in-stroke-recovery-with-yoga-nidra/Sign up for 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