1. Hand Spread
Put your hand flat on a table with fingers together. Spread all of your fingers as wide as you can while still keeping your hand flat on the table. Return your fingers to the together position and repeat.
2. Finger Raise
Put your hand flat on a table. One by one, raise a finger as high as you can and set it back down. Repeat this with each finger, keeping the fingers as straight as possible.
3. “O” Position
Hold your hand in front of you. Start this exercise by placing your thumb tip together with your pointer finger tip to create an “O” shape. Release the position and create the same shape with your thumb and middle finger. Do this on every finger.
4. End Joint Bend
You may think that you rarely use the end joints of your fingers, but you will need to exercise these as well. Sit next to a counter top, and bend the end joint of your pointer finger over the edge of the counter. Relax the finger. Repeat this on each finger.
5. 5 to 4
Hold your hand out in front of you like you are going to give a high-five. Your fingers should be together. Now, bend your thumb in like you are showing the number four. Open the thumb back out to show five again and repeat everything several more times.
6. Tippy Toe
Stand behind a chair and place your hands on the chair back. Take a deep inhale, and as you exhale, lift yourself up onto your tippy toes as high as you can go. Inhale as you return to starting position and repeat.
7. One Foot
You’ll need to learn to regain balance. Try standing on one foot for 10 seconds, then switch legs. Stand behind a chair for support.
8. Foot Circle
Sitting in a chair, extend the right foot and draw a circle with your toes. Repeat 5 times, then repeat with the left foot.
9. Walking
You can practice walking without going anywhere. Stand behind a chair for support. Lift one foot off the ground a few inches and set it down. Follow this with the same motion on the other foot and repeat.
10. Practice Motions
You’ll want to practice simple motions with your hands. For example, turn the handle of a door, put a key into a lock, open a safety pin, pour a glass of water or unscrew a jar lid.
Finally, remember that much of what will help you or loved one recover from a stroke is mind-based. The individual who is learning to regain strength and dexterity must be supported by those around them. Professional assistance also helps tremendously. Over time, with diligence and persistence, improvements will become apparent.