How is movement affected?
At the onset of the stroke the muscles of the face, trunk, arm and leg on either the left or the right side of the body are weak and lax. In most cases the power gradually returns, first to the leg and then to the arm. However, unless the limbs are placed in the correct position and are frequently put through a range of movements, there is a danger that they may stiffen so that even if the power returns the limbs could be practically useless. This is why so much importance is attached to maintaining the limbs in the correct position and allowing recovery to take place in the best way. The simple rule is to let the leg bend but to keep the arm straight. It is also vital to treat the body as a whole, not just the paralysed limbs in isolation.
