4 Things a Stroke Does to Your Muscles & How Lokomat Therapy Helps

A stroke can have a wide range of effects that last long after the traumatic event. One aspect of the body that experiences a significant impact is the muscular system. What are some of the things that a stroke does to your muscles? How can you overcome these effects to maximize your recovery? We will consider how Lokmat therapy, a form of activity-based therapy, can offer positive results. But first, let’s look at four ways that stroke affects the muscles of the body. 

#1 Reduction in Muscle Tone 

Also called hypotonia, a reduction in muscle tone is expected in the wake of a stroke, which can happen for several reasons.

• Malnutrition – If the stroke also impacts your ability to swallow, you may find that you just are not eating as much as you did before. This can lead to malnutrition, and your muscles may just not have what they need to stay strong. 
• Hospitalization – You probably don’t spend a lot of time out of bed when in the hospital. A little physical therapy each day is good, but you need more activity than that to maintain muscle tone. So, if you spent a long time in the hospital after your stroke, that might be the reason for your hypotonia. 
• Less Use – If some of your muscles are now weak or paralyzed due to the stroke, this can lead to loss of tone. You have to use your muscles, or you lose them. 

#2 Increased Spasticity 

The central nervous system (CNS) has a process in place that prevents muscles from overstretching and becoming damaged. The muscle fibers contract to fight the stretch because activity increases in the nerves. This is why your muscles relax when you are not using them. However, after a stroke, specific muscles may no longer be able to perform this vital function.

The result is that muscles can involuntarily stay flexed. This can result in pain and even potential injury to the muscle. When a muscle stays in a flexed state, we call it spasticity. Following a stroke, spasticity is common. 

#3 Increased Muscle Tone

Also called hypertonia, an increase in muscle tone can occur when a stroke inhibits the part of the brain that causes the muscles to relax. You probably notice a correlation between this issue and the two we have already discussed. Spasticity sounds similar because it is a specific type of hypertonia. And hypotonia sounds familiar because it is the opposite of increased muscle tone. How does a stroke create two opposite reactions in the muscles?

Hypertonia causes the muscles to flex and pull in toward the body. While a reduction in muscle mass and weakness may occur, sometimes a person also experiences damage that prohibits the brain from sending a stop order. This is why you may have a clenched fist that you can release. The hips, knees, and elbows are other common areas for hypertonia to occur after a stroke.

Unfortunately, the damage that results from these contractions can eventually become permanent. The muscle fibers eventually stiffen up and shorten. This can lead to a deformity in certain joints. 

#4 Hemiparesis or Hemiplegia

Hemiparesis refers to weakness on one side of the body. Hemiplegia refers to paralysis on one side of the body. Either or both can occur after a stroke. “Hemi” refers to the condition occurring on only one side of the body. This is common because a stroke usually impacts one side of the brain. In turn, the opposite side of the body experiences the effects. This happens because each side of the brain controls movement for the other side of the body. 

While some damage may be permanent, other motor functions could potentially be recovered via physical therapy and various forms of activity-based therapy, including Lokomat therapy.

What Is Lokomat Therapy, and How May It Help Your Recovery After a Stroke?

Lokomat therapy is an unweighing treadmill that allows patients with paralysis or paresis to safely walk for exercise and gait retraining. It works by using a harness so that you do not have to support your own bodyweight. An exoskeleton attaches to your legs, so the machine can even perform some or all of the walking movement for you. How does this support recovery?

• Reduces spasticity and hypertonia – The solution to spasticity is activity. Lokomat therapy helps you get the exercise that you need for the lower half of your body. 
• Improves hypotonia – Again, the solution for loss of muscle mass is activity. Therefore, the Lokomat can also help you restore some of the muscle tones you have lost due to lack of use or extended hospitalization. Keep in mind muscle mass lost due to a lack of nutrition can’t be fixed by this device. 
• Improved neuroplasticity – Neuroplasticity is the body’s unique ability to form new neural pathways to replace ones that no longer function. Lokomat therapy reminds your central nervous system of the activities you once were able to perform independently. As a result, your CNS may try to rewire itself to restore some of this lost functionality. The results will vary from patient to patient. 

Getting the Help You Need for Your Stroke Recovery Journey 

In southern Florida, iAM ABLE is using Lokomat therapy to help stroke patients in their recovery. We also offer an eBook to help you prepare mentally and emotionally for your stroke recovery journey. The title is 7 Unbelievably Important Steps to Take to Thrive after Paralysis. We encourage you to download it today.

Grab our free e-book 7 Unbelievably Important Steps to Take to THRIVE after Paralysis by clicking the image below.