Stroke and training?

Discussion in 'Disabled Martial Artists' started by OldCole, May 27, 2015.

  1. OldCole

    OldCole New Member

    Howdy all, following on from my query about finding a dojo to train at, I started at a local one that is relatively close and has good trainers - or at least people I like! All was going well for the first couple of weeks until... I had a stroke! Nothing to do with training but needless to say it threw me on my ****! I have made a very good recovery (3 months later) and am incredibly fortunate. I have back most (nearly all) of my faculties and pretty mobile. I have slight numbness in my right arm and leg. My balance is slightly off but not too bad - as I said I've had a very good recovery.

    I have been signed off by the doctor to return to work, drive and return to gym work. My question is this - When can I return to karate training? I have no intention of doing anything combative, just the actual Kata.

    Anyone have any thoughts?
     
  2. Heraclius

    Heraclius BASILEVS Supporter

    Bearing in mind I know nothing about stroke recovery, but it sounds like you should be fine going back now. Heck, it might even help, what with all of the body coordination that MA entails. Obviously take it easy until you work out what's what. Also, and it feels a bit strange saying it, but congrats on your speedy and good recovery.
     
  3. SWC Sifu Ben

    SWC Sifu Ben I am the law

    It sounds like motor functions have barely been affected. That's a good sign! If the doc has signed off on gym work you should be good to go back to karate.

    Go slowly, patiently, and work on smoothness and good technique. This is really the same advice I give to every new student.

    Now usually for wing chun forms we start of the left side for righties and right side for lefties. If the kata is equal in movements with both right and left then start on the side with the least coordination and work more slowly than the other side. If the form is not equal in terms of movements then just pay extra attention to the least coordinated side. This way you give more attention to the side which needs it most.

    This may be the stroke side or may not. I don't know which is your dominant side though statistically I assume right. If it was your dominant side which was affected it may be good to treat yourself as a lefty for a bit and focus more on the right side.
     
  4. aaradia

    aaradia Choy Li Fut and Yang Tai Chi Chuan Student Moderator Supporter

    I knew a fellow student that had a stroke. He - to this day - cannot really feel anything on one side of his body. But he moves fine, aside from the issue that he has difficulty swallowing.

    He did Tai Chi Chuan. And he was able to continue fine.

    He quit for other reasons later on, but it wasn't the stroke.
     
    Last edited: May 27, 2015
  5. belltoller

    belltoller OffTopic MonstreOrdinaire Supporter

    Mind if I ask - is your BP under control? Have issues with it in the past?

    Glad you're recovering well!
     
  6. OldCole

    OldCole New Member

    Thanks guys. I'm right side affected (Cerebellum Hemorrhagic Dissection) a bit of numbness in my arm and leg, coordination is a bit off and so is balance.

    Belltoller - yes I have had some issues with my BP - type 2 previously but well under control now. Surprisingly not overweight excessively, a smoker or had been overeating - just had blood tests and there it was!

    I've been walking a bit and doing home exercises that the physio gave me. Really keen to get out of home to do something - just like a real person!

    Thanks for the good wishes too - haven't had much down times but every bit of support helps ;)
     
  7. 47MartialMan

    47MartialMan Valued Member

    * Seek out a medical professional for advice.

    * Tell them what you are doing

    * Tell the people you train with your condition

    * Make sure the medications do not conflict with certain activities

    * Wear a pulse/heart monitor on the wrist
     

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