July 25, 2019
Each year, the Departments of Occupational Therapy/Recreational Therapy and Physical Therapy/Athletic Training at the University of Utah host a Stroke Camp. The camp offers stroke survivors an intensive two-week rehabilitation opportunity. For six hours a day, participants work with occupational and physical therapy on tasks and activities that target their individual goals. Depending on the needs and goals of each participant, treatment can address motor function, balance, sensation, or cognition, with the ultimate goal of improving function and participation in activities that are meaningful to that person.
One participant, Demitra, was three months shy of retiring from her 36 years as an elementary school teacher when she experienced a stroke. Now, a year and a half later, she is attending Stroke Camp to improve motor control of her right arm and hand. She hopes to regain the ability to use that hand for activities such as brushing her hair, brushing her teeth, and eating. Demitra expressed her excitement about using her right hand to hold her sandwich during lunch that day. As she worked on exercises with her therapist, she said, “I love this place because it gives me hope.”
Rob also experienced a stroke a year and a half ago. He traveled from his home in Washington state to participate in the camp this year. Rob was left-hand dominant before his stroke, which affected his left side. Rob would like to have use of both hands when working on projects at home. His therapy includes using a Graded Motor Imagery protocol and motor control activities. He happily demonstrated his hand positioning and technique while opening a drawer.
Ryan had a stroke two days before Christmas in 2017 when he was 42 years old. He remembers his arm going numb while he was wrapping a present and then collapsing on the floor. Ryan met one of the Stroke Camp organizers while doing outpatient therapy at the Sugar House Rehabilitation Clinic and participated in Stroke Camp last year. His goal was to be able to run again, and he achieved that goal during camp. He still has weakness in his left leg and paralysis of his left ankle, but he is happy with where he is today. Ryan returned to the camp this year as a volunteer, saying, “I felt like I need to give back. I feel I have a lot to offer as far as relating to stroke survivors.”
The camp is run by Heather Hayes, DPT, NCS, Ph.D. and Jeanette Koski, OTD. They are supported this year by two physical therapist neuro residents, a second-year physical therapy student, an occupational therapist, and two third-year occupational therapy students. Katie, an occupational therapist in inpatient rehabilitation, was excited to join the team this year. As she worked with a client who is three years post-stroke, she spoke about the functional progress that can be made years after stroke, especially in meaningful activities.
The cost of participating in the camp is $2,500. To learn more, contact Heather Hayes, DPT, NCS, Ph.D. at the University Balance and Mobility Clinic at (801) 587-9161.