Online since 2002 |   866-316-0162

Articles and News

Tactile Stimulation: Therapy for Stroke, Alzheimer’s, and Dementia Patients

Tactile Stimulation: Therapy for Stroke, Alzheimer’s, and Dementia Patients
Kevin Cleary

What is Tactile Stimulation?

After a stroke or a neurological disorder (Alzheimer’s or Dementia) has been diagnosed, what exactly are the options available to sufferers? One option available to therapists and patients alike is tactile stimulation. By using the sensation of touch and texture, patients with neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s, Dementia, or even recovering from a stroke can benefit. Tactile stimuli, such as, massage rollers, Wilbarter brushes, or even water activity tables can help sufferers. Many tactile stimulation instruments can be key in regaining or maintaining gross motor skills and muscle movements by providing proprioceptive feedback to the patient. This is not something that happens overnight, so patient compliance to therapy can be a key to success!!

Option Available for Tactile Stimulation

What exactly is available to patients and therapists in order to maximize tactile stimulation therapy four stroke or Alzheimer’s/Dementia patients? Depending on each unique individual, your therapist will decide what tactile stimuli will be the most effective for your needs. There are many available and may include:

1. Skil-Care Sensory Stimulation Gel Pad

This pad contains a water-based gel and colorful stars in order to provide tactile and visual stimulation for the user. It can even be heated in order to benefit arthritic patients. It can be placed on a tabletop or even the user’s lap in order to get the maximum benefit from tactile stimulation therapy.

Skil-Care Sensory Stimulation Gel Pad
Skil-Care Sensory Stimulation Gel Pad

2. Tubular Vibrator Wrap

The soft, flexible design of this wrap easily conforms to the shape of any user’s body providing vibrating stimuli for the user. The padded vibrator has two speeds of therapy can be tailored to each individual and the switch activated tubular vibrator is able to wrap around any body part needed to provide vibrotactile feedback and only weighs 1.25 lbs.

Tubular Vibrator Wrap
Tubular Vibrator Wrap

3. Rompa Abstract Tactile Panel

Wall-mounted, this panel has a wide range of shapes and textures, and even colors to stimulate the user’s visual and tactile senses. It encourages motion like fine motor skills and reinforces eye/hand coordination, recognition and even visual perception. The textures on this board are carefully selected in order to provide a wide range of temperatures, softness/hardness, and they include fabric, tile, carpet, and synthetic turf. A wide range of tactile stimuli for every patient!!

Rompa Abstract Tactile Panel
Rompa Abstract Tactile Panel

4. Totally Tactile Communicator

Armed with six different levels and 36 messages of seven seconds apiece, this communicator is a great place to start using tactile stimulation therapy for communication purposes. It has six large plates with different textures around it where you can record and playback your messages. It’s a great tool for cognitive therapy associated with neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s or Dementia four stroke recovery. Mounted on a lazy Susan it is easy to spin in order to feel all of your options before choosing which message to replay.

Totally Tactile Communicator
Totally Tactile Communicator
 

Tactile stimulation therapy can be great way to maintain or regain cognitive function when dealing with a stroke or other neurological disorders. Alzheimer and dementia patients benefit from various tactile stimuli during therapy and those who have suffered a stroke also can begin the road to recovery through tactile stimulation therapy.

 

Disclaimer: All content found on our website, including images, videos, infographics and text were created solely for informational purposes. Our content should never be used for the purpose of diagnosis or treatment of any medical conditions. Content shared on our websites is not meant to be used as a substitute for advice from a certified medical professional. Reliance on the information provided on our website as a basis for patient treatment is solely at your own risk. We urge all our customers to always consult a physician or a certified medical professional before trying or using a new medical product.

 


HPFY Kevin Cleary

Kevin Cleary

Kevin Cleary has been a Health Products For You contributor for many years and has a degree in marketing. His health and wellness journey has a very personal meaning and has guided him in his content writing for HPFY.

In 2006, ...

Read More

Trending Articles

What Everyone Should Know About Resistance Band Colors

Kevin Cleary

Resistance exercise bands come in a number of colors and it’s not just for decoration. Many people use these bands however, they do not have the knowledge of the colors and the purpose with which they are designed.

5 Facts about Syringes You Wish You Knew Before

Kevin Cleary

A syringe is a pump consisting of a snugly fit piston(or plunger) within a calibrated glass or plastic cylinder called a barrel.The syringe is equipped with a hypodermic needle, nozzle, or tubing that helps direct the flow of medication.

TOP 5 BEST REVIEWED NEBULIZERS OF 2022

Kevin Cleary

Breathing disorders, such as COPD or asthma, can be a major detriment when it comes to quality-of-life issues.Treating these breathing ailments with medications is the main course of treatment.Being able to deliver aerosol medication directly into the lungs in an expedited fashion is the best way to manage these lung disorders. The use of a nebulizer for aerosol medications allows for the efficient and easy delivery of these medications.

MINERAL OIL VS SALINE ENEMA: WHICH ONE TO CHOOSE?

Kevin Cleary

An enema is used for many reasons.Just as there are many reasons, there are different types of enemas, each of which contains different ingredients and works differently in the body. While some may choose an enema to soften stool or for routine colon cleansing, the reason for using an enema may have more of a medical necessity.

FIVE BEST CERVICAL TRACTION DEVICES OF 2022

Taikhum Sadiq

Cervical traction is a technique applied to the cervical region of the body to help alleviate neck pain, discomfort, and other physical conditions related to the cervical region.Cervical traction works by stressing the neck, pulling, and pushing, thus reducing the pressure on the spine, the neck, and the upper torso.Excessive stress on the neck, spine, and upper region, due to a wide range of conditions or injuries can cause severe pain and can lead to other complications.Cervical traction devices help alleviates these conditions thus offering overall body rehabilitation and treatment options.