Home Remedies and Other Management Options for Paralysis
Paralysis is a condition in which individuals cannot voluntarily move their muscles. This happens when nerve signals to the muscles get disrupted. Typically, strokes, spinal cord injuries, and nerve disorders like multiple sclerosis can trigger these disruptions. Even those affected by Bell’s palsy may experience temporary facial paralysis. Depending on the cause and the extent of paralysis, a medical practitioner will devise a management plan, which would include home remedies and lifestyle changes.
Symptoms
Before detailing any treatment options for paralysis, doctors will look at the symptoms to manage the condition better.
- Stiff, tight muscles and muscle spasms (spasticity)
- Shortening of soft tissue caused by stiff muscles, restricting joint movement
- Inability to lift the toes toward the shin (foot drop), causing falls and trouble walking
- Difficulty swallowing
- Impairment of speech, including slurred speech or various types of aphasia
Home remedies
The most common causes of paralysis are strokes and spinal cord injuries, which often lead to sudden loss of function, primarily in the legs.
The outlook for paralysis is to help one live with the condition and alleviate some of its associated symptoms through continual treatment. But some forms of paralysis, like in the case of Bell’s palsy, are temporary, so the methods to manage paralysis can differ based on the type one has. That said, there are a few common lifestyle changes and home remedies that can help manage most types of paralysis.
- Eating foods that boost brain function
Making certain lifestyle changes, such as reducing the intake of inflammatory and processed foods, is crucial to managing various types of paralysis. For instance, eating protein-rich foods the first week after a stroke can help improve and preserve muscle.
Additionally, foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fatty fish like salmon and mackerel; nuts and seeds, like walnuts and pumpkin seeds, respectively; oils like olive and avocado oils; and poultry products like eggs, can reduce the effects of paralysis. Some of these foods are also rich in protein, fiber, oleic acid, vitamin E, and other essential nutrients. Ultimately, these nutrients help boost brain function, which is essential for motor movements. Doing passive exercises
The most common remedy for addressing paralysis is passive exercise. These are beneficial for left hemiplegia, i.e., paralysis on the left side of the body. Some post-stroke exercises have been shown to improve cognition, arm function, gait, and balance. During passive exercises, one does not have to move the affected muscles. Instead, a therapist or caregiver moves the affected muscle, and the patient is encouraged to move the non-affected side. These passive exercises help stimulate the brain and activate neuroplasticity (a process through which the brain can heal after a stroke or injury) without the use of muscle contraction techniques. They also minimize spasticity and reduce the risk of contractures. Besides, with the help of various therapy devices, patients can keep their bodies moving.It also helps to transition to active exercises upon noticing muscle activation and independent movements. For instance, if the affected muscles contract and move without as much assistance as before, one can slowly start incorporating active exercises. Doctors often recommend that patients challenge themselves during rehabilitation to maximize functional recovery and move the unaffected side to improve overall mobility and strength. Employing techniques of mental imagery
This is also known as mental practice, and it involves visualizing a movement that one wants to address and improve. Most patients with varying degrees of paralysis can try this. While they may not physically move their muscles, mental practice can help them activate neuroplasticity and rewire the brain. Combining mental practice with other treatments for paralysis, such as physical therapy, can offer better results.
The most common remedy for addressing paralysis is passive exercise. These are beneficial for left hemiplegia, i.e., paralysis on the left side of the body. Some post-stroke exercises have been shown to improve cognition, arm function, gait, and balance. During passive exercises, one does not have to move the affected muscles. Instead, a therapist or caregiver moves the affected muscle, and the patient is encouraged to move the non-affected side. These passive exercises help stimulate the brain and activate neuroplasticity (a process through which the brain can heal after a stroke or injury) without the use of muscle contraction techniques. They also minimize spasticity and reduce the risk of contractures. Besides, with the help of various therapy devices, patients can keep their bodies moving.It also helps to transition to active exercises upon noticing muscle activation and independent movements. For instance, if the affected muscles contract and move without as much assistance as before, one can slowly start incorporating active exercises. Doctors often recommend that patients challenge themselves during rehabilitation to maximize functional recovery and move the unaffected side to improve overall mobility and strength.
This is also known as mental practice, and it involves visualizing a movement that one wants to address and improve. Most patients with varying degrees of paralysis can try this. While they may not physically move their muscles, mental practice can help them activate neuroplasticity and rewire the brain. Combining mental practice with other treatments for paralysis, such as physical therapy, can offer better results.
Alternative management options
In addition to home remedies and other treatment options, one can rely on alternative therapies and options.
- Acupuncture
This practice targets specific points in the body to improve various effects of paralysis, including pain, spasticity, cognition, and dysphagia. The practice may help promote neuroplasticity. Research indicates that acupuncture could be an effective option for those with hemiplegia. - Massage
Therapeutic massage, including techniques like Tui na, may help improve motor function and relieve spasticity when combined with conventional physical therapy. - Tai Chi
This technique is the art of intentionally moving the body through various postures. It can improve motor function and balance and alleviate mental health symptoms associated with paralysis. - Yoga
Also among the top alternatives for managing paralysis, yoga can help enhance motor functions and improve flexibility. The practice can also help improve mind-body coordination, emotional regulation, and mental clarity. - Mirror therapy
Tabletop mirror therapy is a suitable way to recover from hand paralysis. This method involves placing a mirror over the affected hand and conducting hand therapy routines with the unaffected hand. While watching the unaffected hand do the exercises, the brain may think the affected hand is moving. As a result, the therapy can promote neuroplasticity and encourage the healing and restructuring of motor connections between the brain and the hand.
Disclaimer:
The content of the articles discussing symptoms, treatments, health conditions, and side effects is solely intended for informational purposes. It is imperative that readers do not interpret the information provided on the website as professional advice. Readers are requested to use their discretion and refrain from treating the suggestions or opinions provided by the writers and editors as medical advice. It is important to seek the help of licensed and expert healthcare professionals when necessary.
