A Southern New Jersey man who recently endured his second stroke is advancing in his recuperation thanks largely to his work with a woman who holds an occupational therapy job, according to a published report.
One area that has seen progress is the stiff hand of Sheridan "Rocky" Vallese, Shore News Today reports. The second stroke was in early June but the exercises have helped the recovery of three fingers. The first stroke was in 2009.
"I did well for a while," Vallese told the publication about his return to work on an information technology help desk. "Then I stopped taking my meds. I was lucky. I had physical and occupational therapy after my first stroke. Now I just need occupational therapy. I was lucky both times."
Occupational therapist Heather Pitman said the muscles that open his hand are not very strong while those that close it are "hyperactive." He is using equipment that delivers an electric jolt to the muscles.
Occupational therapists help patients develop, recover and improve needed skills for working and living, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.