It Worked!

Liam's OT made him a removable cast several weeks ago. He had to wear it on his left arm to force him to use and strengthen his right arm. I loved the cast. So much easier than constantly telling him to use his right hand. His teacher loved the cast for the same reason. I also loved that when strangers would ask what happened to his arm he'd reply, "it's a long story."

He had to wear it for 8-10 hours a day. This meant there were times when he'd have a break from it. All of a sudden after about seven weeks I noticed that even without the cast on he was using his right hand! And his private and school OT noticed as well! His time with the cast is over (8 weeks) and he continues to use his right hand for writing without reminders (eating is a different story).

It's important for people after a stroke to use the side that was affected. It helps with building brain function. Plus, his private OT found he had better control with the right - so that's the hand we're pushing for writing.