with Andreas Klein

In 2021 , there were an estimated 40,700 stroke events in Australia – more than 112 every day . Stroke disproportionately affects older Australians , and resulted in 8,400 deaths ( 4.4 % of all deaths ) in 2022 . Many of the roughly 32,000 people who survive a stroke will have ongoing disability due to :

1 . hemiplegia ( severe or complete loss of strength that results in paralysis or

2 . hemiparesis ( is a milder loss of strength or partial weakness on just one side of the body , caused by stroke-related neural damage to the corticospinal tracts in one hemisphere of the brain .

Seventy to eight five % of people suffering a stroke for the first time will suffer hemiplegia . Of the people who need inpatient rehabilitation , just 60 % achieve functional independence ( simple daily living activities – toileting , walking short distances ), 6 months after stroke , while 40 % will not .

Over 80 % of stroke survivors have difficulty walking . These people have altered gait due to a variety of deviations

and compensatory motions determined the functions lost and remaining after stroke .

Importantly , stroke patients suffering from hemiplegia / paresis need to understand that they can regain significant movement and strength capacity by doing massed practice rehab exercise . This sort of intense practice induces neuroplasticity , the brain ’ s natural ability to heal itself .

Intensive and continuous application of the correct exercises can result in the brain forming new neural connections These allow undamaged areas of brain tissue to take over movement control functions from those areas whose brain cells were lost due to stroke .

Leg and hip exercises can help rebuild and strengthen neural connections that facilitate leg movement and walking . The key to success is intensive and consistent practice of the correct exercises , both initially in a clinical setting , and then later ( life-long ) at home . This can significantly improve a person ’ s ability to walk properly because the training creates new neural connections and strengthens : 1 . these new neural connections , 2 . the ability of motor nerves to

recruit collectively , 3 . motor nerve synaptic capacity 4 . and the affected muscles

( Kellog , 2023 ).

Importantly , exercise can help , even if the stroke itself occurred years earlier ( Doidge , 2010 ).

Limping following stroke can increase :

1 . spinal segment motions via repetitive and exaggerated lateral bending of the spine ,

2 . potential for lumbar disc breakdown ( herniation , degenerative changes , particularly at the L . 4 - 5 and L . 5 - S . 1 levels ’

3 . strain on and tighten muscles that are abnormally used or overused due to altered gait .

In this way limping can induce ‘ new ’ back pain and aggravate ‘ pre-existing ’ back pain .

Recently a patient with altered gait due to stroke presented at the clinic with Trendelenburg sign and significant and worsening lower back pain and sciatica . Over a few months , by applying muscle elongation therapy to lengthen and de-inflame affected back muscles

and connective tissue , we were able to significantly improve the patients backpain and sciatica symptoms , and help the patient return to many of their normal daily tasks , which pain had prevented them from doing .

If you have back pain due to altered gait , you can give Andreas a call at the clinic ON 0418 166 269 to discuss possible treatment options .