Absolutely, this was my experience. I broke up the spastic pattern that affected my foot, believe it or not, by exercising my outside three toes. I didn't realize these toes weren't working for two years following my stroke. I enlisted my wife's help to begin working these toes early in the targeted therapy. She would push against the toes so I could feel them. I would then try to curl them against that pressure. After a few months, I was able to curl them over a towel and extend them up by myself, 100+ times a day. Being able to feel and work these toes enabled me to spread my weight over my entire foot when walking and relaxed my ankle and lower leg in the process.

YOU ARE SUCH A BLESSING TO THOSE WHO TAKE THE TIME TO WATCH YOUR VIDEOS. THANK YOU

I had a stroke from a fall in 2016(undetected aneurism) I was 32. I’m 37 now and I not failed to work out 6 days a week. I am a determined person and after the stroke I started therapy❤ and they put me on a shuttle machine. My walk was corrected temporarily but my visits were discontinued. I just got another referral. What would you recommend for therapy on an older stroke. This has become my life’s mission to fix and learn as best I can . Your channel is a true resource for quality material. I also like that you get right into the video and it’s topic.

After having a stroke several years ago and spending a great deal of time in rehab, no doctor or therapist ever told me there was such a thing as ankle spasticity. Only drop foot. I knew I had it, but I never knew the name of it until I saw your video. I spent years thinking the spasticity was due to having anxiety attacks. But in reality it was the other way around. Darn, I wish I had known. Thank you very much, better late than never.

Thank you so much!!! We have been looking at foot drop videos this whole time. No wonder they didn’t work!! I can’t thank you enough!!

Thank you for making these videos! I am a brain cancer survivor (26 years). I had an anaplastic astrosytoma tumor in the right frontal lobe. 1997. Went through surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. And, in 2016 and 2019 have had small stokes in that same area. My left side is weak. I just found you about a month ago! You are a God send to me! I love how patiently you explain things. I’ve learned a lot sitting and binge watching your videos. Please keep it up your videos have offered so much help to me that I have not gotten any where else in the past 26 years! Thanks again.

Once again…You are a Great Teacher…Thank you, now I understand, I’m a ballet teacher and stroke survivor, I love exercise and have high expectations for I have ordered the Urias hand splint, working every day on my hand spasticity, with my brace now working on my walking…it’s good to know exactly what muscles are causing the Spasticity, I thought it was the Hamstring. I’m standing as we speak, have a great day🥳💅🏾

Thank you, Dr. Tobias, for making these videos available. I was born with cerebral palsy so long ago and have had a few surgeries for bilateral tendon releases, a few different types of leg/foot braces, and years of PT. Spasticity was overwhelming in the beginning but with PT, there was significant progression. Now in these latter years, spasticity is returning. These videos are ever so helpful. After watching a few of them, I now understand why the AFO’s were not as productive and beneficial as promised. Again, thank you.

Thank u so much for this video. I'm a stroke survivor, currently confuse between spasicity and foot drop. This video helps me understand better. From Malaysia

After 8 yrs of incomplete spinal injury I under stand it now. I'm so greatful to have come across your site. My rehab wasn't helping me at all thank you so much.

Thank You for recognizing that self researchers & advocates are valid in their studies of medical issues!!

I had been following your vid since I had my stroke in Oct 2020. All the while I thought I am having foot drop. After listening to your explanation, I now understand better my condition and it is more like high tone of my muscle. Thanks.

Thanks for making this video. In May 2019 I had a stroke with a seizure that led to a bad fall on my left side. Since then I had physical therapy that hasn’t worked and none of my doctors know what to do. Your video helped me a lot to figure out what to do.

I love your videos! I was diagnosed with MS in 2014 and just found you in December 2019. I’ve didn’t have a stroke but your exercises work for MSers also. Thank you!

HI!! Dr Tobias you are very helpful. I really enjoy watching your videos. For months I thought I had drop foot, but I do not. I do weight baring exercises, and you mentioned Standing is the best exercise! Thankyou again for your time and demonstrating so many exercises that have become helpful to me.

Thank you very much dr. Tara. Your experience,insight, and compassion is so very helpful to so many. Post 13years of a hemografic stroke and craniotomy, you are the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel, thank you for all that you do! Kind Christian regards Ron Padlo

Thank you so much for clearing my mind about this subject. My son underwent a brain surgery 2 years ago and your videos are a great help.

Thank you, this was very helpful. I had a stroke 16 years ago. Seems like my symptoms randomly show up. I’ve been having a lot of lower leg pain lately so I was searching for help and came across this vid.

Dr. Tara, you are so right. I did the standing exercise for some days now and really the high tone goes down. Walking and balance improve. You teach in your videos to do exercises slowly and repeatedly. Also this is so right and leads to steady improvements. Great job, thank you so much! 🙏🙋‍♀️🙏

Yes! Standing. Exercises I do in therapy involves a lot of weight bearing exercise for my affected leg

I’m so glad I’ve found you! Now I’ve understood, finally that the problem with my foot is spasticity, after a stroke 1 and a half year ago

Standing makes TOTAL sense!!! Thank you! 😍

Im 28 years old and I realize now that I am a spastic. Thanx doc, god bless u.

Oh lady, you're a true blessing. May God bless you and increase all your skill and knowledge

Thank you so much Dr. Tara! After my stroke, I was told I had spasticity not foot drop. I am now in out patient PT and they say foot drop. I showed them this video so now I am getting a different AFO and won't stop watching your videos until I am back on stage dancing !!!

Very proper explain for difference between foot drop and plasticity. Most of medical persons don't know it. Thanks.

I have just discovered your videos-8 years post stroke. Such revaluation! You have made more sense to me than all of my therapists combined over that period. Guess what. I have spacicity not foot drop! I have a light weight AFO which, unfortunately, has no ankle articulation. I am sure that would be beneficial to my walking. In the meantime I intend to do lots and lots of standing. You are such a blessing!

Thank you so much, please keep teaching, blessing and inspiring with the videos.

I can stand a long time, no problem there. Good to know it lessens spasticity! Calf muscles are so tight. Thank you!!

Thank you Dr Tara. You are a great help! My wife suffered stroke a month ago. We didnt have any idea what to do then until we watch your videos. The information and exercises are so helpful. You are a blessing!

I just came across your video I had a stroke December 4th 2020 and your videos have made all the difference in me getting better thank you so much

My right leg is involved have learned alot from you, its still really hard because the brain is slow now, your explaining slowly is great on a particular topic like walking most important for independence, I will stay with your videos, thank you Tara, 2.5 years ago 1 bigger and 2 smaller strokes, HIGH TONE PROBLEMS BECAUSE OF My career was food server. also born with right leg shorter and it is my involved leg, so hip problems are starting, 68 yrs old always been very active heavy tone in right leg living alone with frequency in caregiving not for help with understanding my therapy with videos. they house clean only. my focus is on your therapy. I'm watching the first video and downloaded progression 2 and 3 on walking. Had needed to watch many to see my main focus , your videos are interesting Spot on. Would still like your diagnoses like a doctor consultation with you on computer if possible, where you could see my leg , here in California, I will call to see if possible and your pricing if you even do live video consultation. God bless you. You are every strokes need, My cousin in Florida is with your videos now he is excited!!! Bless you. You are in my prayers really I pray for your well being. Thank you in all ways.. You give all of yourself, I live for your hope for my recovery. Your ability to care is passed through life's channels Knowing of your hard work Jesus is mediator for his Father I know you will in all ways be blessed for you actions.

Thank you for addressing this issue. It’s a big problem for me. I look forward to more videos like this. A big thank you 😊

This video is what I needed.My leg would sometimes shake violently only putting weight on it would stop it. Thanks so much

Thank you, Dr Tara, for all the efforts and passion you put into your videos

I'm so glad I came across your video. I was actually watching your video on exercises for foot drop and came across this video. My 2 year old developed spasticity during her chemotherapy and I've been thinking it was a foot drop all the while. It's been difficult to get her to stand or exercise her ankles

I was searching for ways to improve foot drop when I stumbled onto your videos, and this is just the information I needed! I have MS and, as a result, an incredible amount of spasticity in my right leg, but I was told that foot drop was the culprit for my gait issues. I have to alter my gait in order to keep my toes from dragging and tripping me up, and that causes tremendous pain in my lower back and hip. Additionally, my foot often slaps down as it reconnects with the floor. I have been trying to stretch those muscles and have also been using a TENS unit for the past couple of days. I have seen a significant decrease in my pain, but I really need instruction on the best placement for the electrodes. Although trial and error has been working, it can be a pain getting the electrodes in the optimal spot.

I have MS. I have been very sick with UTIs and on multiple antibiotics that have weakened me so much. This video really resonated with me when you said,”stand”. I have done so much sitting due to weakness. It was like a lightbulb went off just now and I stood at my walker and finished watching. I’ve had two braces which I really dislike. Right now I am regaining my strength and hope to get standing and walking. Thank you!

I thank God for health professionals like who shares your wisdom and knowledge online. I just subscribed. My father just suffered a stroke and your video is very helpful on helping us understand his condition better. Again, thank you.

i have MS since I was 23 yrs old (am 40) and was an avid daily runner until 6 yrs ago. Im having a release every three months or so and have lost about all of my faculties and got them back every times. But I had to quit running because after less than 2 miles, my foot bent inside, my leg refuses to lift and I fall down (I fall down hard enough to break my ankle last time) . Since I don't run anymore, I feel very depressed. I used to think I had a foot drop and neurologist doesn't give a slight s* about it. He says there's nothing to do and that it'll get worst, that I have to accept it. I don't accept and I don't trust him anymore. So I'm very glad I found your videos, because i don't feel like I'm alone with this anymore. And how "easier" it'll be to work on it now the real issue is identified !! thank you so much :)

Thanks for sharing this video with great information provided., I can only stand for about 10-15 mins. Then I have to rest due to back pain. My right thigh goes numb the longer I stand. Also my leg tires out and wants to buckle. Things are getting better, it’s learning and trying to figure things out also about myself. You have been great help in providing these videos. It’s a wealth great information and help understanding what’s happening.

Please keep the videos coming!

You are the best physical therapist out there! My only problem is that I don’t understand the terminology. Maybe a video that will catch me up to speed with your other followers would help a lot. Like a cheat sheet for terminology. You are wonderful though ❤

Thanks to you, I am getting my PT to focus on my spastic foot

I have been given lot of exercise in the past, but no one ever explain in depth as you have. I'm going to put this knowledge to use and see the results. Thank you for the video.

Very informative! Glad I clicked on & subscribed! Now I know the difference in foot drop versus spasticity. Thanks again.

I had a massive stroke and I still have left side weakness and very high tone in my leg this video helped my understanding thank you and I pray and hope I can one day get my life back from the stroke as well as my other health issues

Thank you doctor for sharing your knowledge the foot drops ..today it's my 2 years anniversary of having stroke ..rhanks God getting there i'm getting there.. starting walking good , no more heavy feeling on parts of my body.. balancing first then walking everyday i do my homework Right like exercising, stretching , rubber pulling, healthy food , change of life style no time table just keep on doing . Now i can take shower & change my clothes , look much better not like before..my goal is to see the light in the tunnel amen. Thank you so much doctor

I can’t thank you enough. You are bringing me to exactly where I want to be❤

I find after walking with a cane over a couple years it makes me fearful without it, because I put so much weight on my un effected leg, but you gave example and good info on that so I have something to work on now, thank you much.

Couldn't have done it without you. Thank you so much

Tq Dr im therapist This video is one of guidend to treat patient who has this problem

Thank you. I previously had a rare congenital defect known as brain AVM which suddenly ruptured one day and caused oxygen supply disruption. Of course it caused neural damages and hence stroke-like symptoms such as spasticity and loss of motor functions. I have been dealing with spasticity in the left leg & arm. Your videos have been a huge help to my recovery process.

Ty ur video is very knowledgeable I suffer with spasticity goin in to two years due to MS and bad back just found ur video love it!! ❤🙏🏽

I don't have foot drop but cannot lift my foot this video explains perfectly what my issue is spasticity I shall work on that.

I totally agree with this I have exact what you described High tone e with severe spasticity,points my foot down

can you please suggest some excercises or remedies for spasticity in feet? my toes get curling up all the time

Thankyou I share your information with many stroke fighters I have FES

Your explanation is super helpful. I was confused about these two terms for a long time. Since I have spasticity in my upper limb, I thought spasticity was also in my lower limb. However, a new doctor referred to it as foot drop and recommended a device that should be beneficial. I am waiting for my insurance to approve it.

Thank you very much for your way to explain things so that it is easy to understand! I like your videos very very much and I am so glad to having found you. I learn a lot and can help my patients so much better.

Thank you, standing not something I would have imagined as as exercise. I have just been issued with my fes and will be trying to get used to it whilst trying to walk longer distances.

Omg i finally have the answer 🎉 thank you so much. I have MS and its a spastik. Now i can get right help thank you ❤

I have been through this situation. Its hard, but trust me, u can walk normal again. I practiced drum for 2 months, death metal DOUBLE bass practice, 1-2 hours a day. And suddenly, the way i walk feels strange, my left leg pointing down automaticly when walking, but i don't lost control and power, i can do calf raise. I don't know what is spasticity or foot drop, my left leg just pointing down and move backward. What i did, I just force my left leg move forward, ITS hard and painfull, but i do it again and again. After over a year, it shows improvement, i can say i can walk 95% normal again. Im happy, thanks God for giving me another chance to use my leg normally..

Now I understand why I slam my foot on the floor😁Thank you for this video❤

Thanks doctor. TBI survivor and multiple MTBIs really appreciated undertanding. Of course I have the same effects as some stroke survivors with the hemiparesis , spasticity, the partial paralysis ... a most interesting understanding that you provided was the lift in the heel. I've had some health professionals not understand that and certainly not explain it as well as you have. This effect of foot going down uncontrollably has to be the worst 'fear Factor' I'll say for me walking and it occuring with no control , the following especially on that weakened where I have no or not much control on my left arm / hand to stop falls. I got to tell you that in another video on spasticity that you have about slant boards and the foot was spastic ankle, that is the best thing ever. I think the understanding of keeping the knee bent when you were doing that slant for stretching let's call it is so advantageous. Thanks and bless you

Great Teaching video. I am not thrilled with my PT as I getting little explanation about anything. Just walk and let's if you can walk faster and....🙄 ok after a pontine stroke I'm Grateful to to the Lord that I CAN Walk. But I'm getting very little of the exercise routine you mention and painstakingly demonstrate! Thank you so very much!

Thank you only saw this properly today. Makes so much sense now.😍

Thank you for all your great videos and very helpful information. Please continue. Dr HW Lindeque, Johannesburg, SA

I have been watching you since I returned home from Rehab. Thank you for doing this. I have not been to physical therapy since October because of insurance denials. Somehow I was approved for more sessions but I won’t start back until March 1, 2023. So I have been watching your videos and doing my best to help myself. Standing, standing, standing, yes I want that so I can help out more at home, instead of being so reliant on my family. So I will try that. My affected foot points down and tends to turn on its side when I try to walk. My doctor prescribed an AFO for me and that has helped tremendously. I also wear compression socks during they day, but as soon as I take them off, my foot swells! Is there a sock I can wear at night and when I sleep? When I wake up in the morning, my leg and foot are all stiff and when I try to put weight on it, it bounces up and down like a fish out of water.

Thanks for explaining this. My foot does not automatically point but does not dorsiflect either! It is difficult putting shoes, socks and tights on. I tried the drop foot exercises for 4 months. They didn't help.

Thanks Doc! you never cease to amaze me with your knowledge! You helped me a lot! God bless!

I have promoted your videos in my stroke support group as they can look thru your list and say I want to work on this problem so listen to what advice she has.

I was born with a spacivity problem.(1942). This was a rare problem and it went mostly untreated. My doctor recommended a exercise

I have MS and just recently got HSCT and have crazy spasticity. I've used botox in the past. My PT says my muscles are so tone. We ordered braces with 1/2 lift on the right. I saw you say to stand. I will be standing more. I will also try stretching daily. The spasticity is a lot to pull my legs sometimes. I'm glad I found you

Your video was very informative... I'm a stroke survivor who has his family support but still have conflict with their opinions 😢

Thanks, Standing more to achieve balance and I have lots of tone not foot drop that’s the difference I acknowledge

Thank you for the info. I suffered a TBI and experienced hemiplegia- spent 1 month on stroke floor. Nearly 6 years later (after 5 years of botox to the gastroc) and I had surgery to lengthen my Achilles and posterior tibial-us tendon as well as tenodomies on 4 toes. Now i have an opposite set of problems and just as much immobility ...... spasticity will find somewhere else to settle..... it is the devil.

Thank you so much for this video. 13 years now I thought I had drop foot and did everything wrong.

This video was very helpful and definitely help me understand why I can lift my foot myself when I’m sitting and do not have an AFO on but can’t do it when I’m actually walking. I started doing a mile walk daily would this help reduce the spasticity. I would love to eliminate It. Since I do have control over my foot and to start working on actually lifting at the right moment. I love videos that explain these things so please continue to do those along with your others.

I have spent years trying to improve my condition and always turn-up "foot drop"; this is the first time I've seen this term used; as opposed to consulting ortho, I need to consult a nuero.

Your info has made me hopeful! Keep it coming please.

You are the best... Thank you for your clear explanations...

Your advice is very good. My right leg foot is the big problem I can't walk minimum fast also I Wii be waiting for your further instruction

Also as a Stroke Survivor, my left side is impaired, now I know it’s Spasticity, I also had a Botox shot in my arm and leg, yes it’s helping my flexibility… What do you think about Botox as a helper? Thank you🌻

I have a big problem with my foot turning in. When I ‘m walking I have to turn it out and try to walk at the same time. It’s hard on the knee

Thank you so much for this video! It's great to learn about that.

Dr Tara I am a huge fan and I appreciate how thorough you are in your explanations. Because of insurance purposes I did not get any therapy for a full year. Now I have had multiple treatments at multiple locations. Am I wasting everyone’s time in even trying?

Keep up the good work, spot on.

This was super helpful! Thank you for all you do.

Hi doc.thanks a lot in all your video i learn a lot in it.now i can manage to walk slowly. Thanks.you so much.God bless you.

Your absolutely correct!! Noone can bring my foot up due to spacticity 😢. I can bring it up if im sitting down but not when I walk😭

Can you also do a video on shoulder subluxation please and Thank you.

Doc ,you a blessing. THank you so much ,you are helping so so so so so much.. Always be safe ,

Thank you for creating these videos and sharing your knowledge.

I LOVE this channel!!! So helpful

Great help! Thank you ! From Switzerland 🙏🙏🙏

Thank you very much for your video and information.

all your videos assist so much thanks

You are spot on with your comments when I crap at night in bed I stretch and stand up right

Loved this so helpful & informative Thanks a million -Alison 💞🌺