A new treatment approach for persons with hemiparesis
After a stroke
or brain
injury, regaining your strength and the use of your arm can be an ongoing
challenge. Sister Kenny offers an intensive treatment approach for people who struggle with limited arm function.
Constraint Induced Therapy (CIT) is designed to improve functional
ability for persons who have had a brain injury or stroke. People who participate
in this therapy can achieve 20 percent to 40 percent improvement in the use of
their affected arm.
Here are some comments heard from participants:
“I use my left hand now like I did before my stroke”
“I scratched my nose with my weak arm without even thinking about it!”
“This is the best thing I’ve ever done.”
“I never thought my arm would get better after 14 years.”
Program participants are required to be:
at least three months post stroke or brain injury
over age 16
able to move affected arm
able to voluntarily open hand, at least to some extent
able to communicate your needs, answer questions about your arm and follow
directions for testing
without other serious medical conditions that might influence performance
in activities
independent in basic needs while at therapy
CIT requires a good deal of self-discipline. Therapy is scheduled on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday for four hours each day. It lasts for six to ten weeks depending on individual needs. Participants must wear a restraint device (mitt) on the non-affected hand during therapy and at home. Activities and exercises are set up for both home and clinic.
Referrals
A doctor's referral is required to participate in the CIT program. To make a referral
or for more information, call Abbott
Northwestern Hospital at 612-863-7555 or United
Hospital at 651-241-8292.
Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute
800 E. 28th St.
Minneapolis, MN 55407
612-863-4200 or toll free 866-880-3550 E-mail us
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