16 - Flint Rehab Flex AFO

Flint Rehab is an excellent resource I often refer to for stroke recovery guidance. They are dedicated to rehabilitation and offer science-backed strategies to support recovery at all stages.

You can visit their website here: https://www.flintrehab.com/

One of the core concepts emphasized by Flint Rehab is neuroplasticity — the brain's ability to rewire and adapt throughout life. This capacity doesn’t cease after an injury like a stroke. In fact, such injuries often serve as a trigger for the brain to intensify its rewiring efforts.The key to unlocking the benefits of neuroplasticity lies in massed practice, which means performing the same task repeatedly to stimulate change in the brain. For example, to improve foot drop after a stroke, consistent high-repetition exercises targeting the foot and ankle are essential. While progress may seem slow, it is important to remember that your brain is working behind the scenes to optimize and rebuild those neural pathways.

In the interim, using a foot drop brace is crucial for both safety and improved mobility. An AFO (Ankle-Foot Orthosis) brace helps maintain proper walking posture and prevents compensation patterns like leg hiking. Flint Rehab recommends their Flex AFO brace, which supports daily activities while you continue your exercise routine.

For guidance on using the Flex AFO, you can watch the setup video here:

▶️ Flex AFO Setup Video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/oH3Se8RpifY

Additionally Flint Rehab offers an excellent set of 10 Foot Drop Exercises you can follow along with:

🦶 Foot Drop Exercises Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTJfCHxdZYU&t=5s

I was able to purchase the Flex AFO for $149 (regularly $199) and also picked up a pair of lace-up gym shoes to go with it. I’m looking forward to making additional progress with the support of this brace and ongoing therapy.

Remember: your brain is on your side, it just needs the right stimulus to work its magic.