Massage to Reduce Swelling and Relieve Pain for the Stroke Patient--Surprisingly Simple Stroke Care

If your stroke survivor has edema or swelling in the hand and arm (or leg for that matter), that fluid can hinder healing and reduce mobility. It can also cause pain.

Follow the instructions given in the video to begin at the fingers and stroke toward the body. Use a light touch with enough pressure to indent the skin and provide a stretch to skin surfaces. This activates the lymphatic system to initiate movement of fluid out of the extremity. Repeat each move, or scoop, about 6-8 times before moving to the next area.

Retrograde massage should be repeated every day followed by elevation of the limb to allow gravity to help "pull" the fluid back to the heart which will disperse it to the kidneys. The sensation of the massage also sends healing messages to the brain to reconnect neural pathways for improved limb awareness and movement. Lots of good results from a simple massage!

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For a resource filled with helpful information about stroke recovery read, Stroke Caregiver Survival Handbook: Everything You Missed About Stroke Recovery During the Rehab Stay, on Amazon, at https://amzn.to/44CuxZt .

Look for more videos on this channel, Surprisingly Simple Stroke Care. Or, go to FB and join Stroke Caregivers Support Group, at   / 3213888985328704   to ask specific questions and get answers and inspiration. I look forward to connecting with you there!

Take good care!
Ann Gupton, COTA/L, CLT, TMRC

No one can guarantee that any specific techniques or methods will diagnosis, treat, prevent, or cure any disease. Seek medical advice from your healthcare practitioner for your specific conditions and symptoms. This statement is added by law.