I started this company almost 5 years ago, and in that time I have met with hundreds of stroke and brain injury survivors all over the world. I’ve talked to hundreds more over the phone who have called to ask about the Tailwind for arm rehabilitation. I have learned a lot about stroke and especially about limitations to arm use. My own brother has had two strokes recently. I have never had a stroke, though.
This week I was intoduced to the problem of limited arm mobility, and it has been an eye-opening experience. I broke my right arm. I am right-handed, and extremely so — very little capability with my left arm and hand. As I sit here slowly typing this with 2 fingers of my left hand, I am understanding–in only a simple way–what it means to have limited arm movement.
I have great difficulty brushing my teeth, getting dressed, opening medicine bottles…and everything else. It is frustrating and annoying and sometimes depressing. Combined with additional effects of stroke, the problem of limited arm movement must be magnified for survivors. I know that I will heal. But I have a renewed commitment to do my best to help stroke and brain injury survivors improve their lives by increasing their arm function.