Movement and Exercise

  • In simplest cases simple exercise, advice and functional rehabilitation including gradual weight bearing can help
  • Movement wherever possible should be bilateral and synchronous to reinforce normal movement
  • It may be necessary to encourage conscious attention to the limb by encouraging looking; thinking; touching & re-engaging the limb before any movement (see also neglect)
  • Positive reinforcement using as many senses as possible, e.g. sound, colour, smells and textures can help while training, e.g. peeling an orange or opening sweet wrappers
  • Normal mirrors can be used to highlight and correct gait, and to improve movement control however ensure that this does not substantially increase pain