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Symptoms

After my stroke, my arm is weak and I can't dress or cook

Post-stroke, the affected arm is weak, stiff, or doesn't move at all. Buttons, jars, cutlery and keyboards have all become impossible one-handed. The hospital discharged you with physiotherapy — but the arm isn't improving.

What this could mean

Upper-limb recovery after stroke plateaus without specific, task-focused practice. Physiotherapy often covers walking and leg strength; dedicated OT is what restores hand and arm function for dressing, cooking, toileting, driving and returning to work.

What to do next

Book a neurological OT assessment. Expect a combination of graded task practice (Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy, task-specific training), splinting for spasticity or positioning, assistive equipment trials, and family training. The 6-12 months after stroke is the highest-yield window — don't delay.