Treatment options
after stroke
Orthoses can be used to serve several
purposes, depending on the presenting
problem. In stroke patients, generally,
orthoses are used to:
■■ Stretch or maintain range w
of movement
■■ Provide stability
■■ Improve alignment
■■ Challenge stability (some patients may
adopt an abnormal alignment to
achieve their stability, and so
correcting their alignment may
challenge their stability. Provided the
patient is in a safe environment, this
can be useful, as it will make him or
her recruit muscles appropriately in
order to adopt a normal alignment).