Products for Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation

Therapy products like the ones on this page helped me recover quickly and healthfully from my vertebral artery dissection and stroke.

I was very lucky and had friends and family who helped me research and find products that helped me recover physically and mentally. The most important things are persistence and optimism - and a little grit.

Physical Therapy Advice & Tips

Do what your doctors and physical therapists (and maybe speech therapists) say. I know physical therapy is no fun but it helps. Also, if they give you "homework" then do it.

Something I would like to add is that if your physical therapist is not asking you to work hard enough ask for a new one. Do not let anyone "baby" you around. This is your recovery and you have a life to get back to. If you get a "tough" therapist you will know it right after you leave therapy because you will be completely exhausted and you will know it even more a week later when you can walk/talk/balance/whatever remarkably better. I cannot thank my therapist enough for kicking my a$$.

*Use ONLY if Recommended by your Doctor*

Products for Vestibular and Physical Therapy

Read Life After a Stroke: A Guide for Survivors, Families, & Caregivers

I used everything on this page in my recovery to aid my VAD recovery.

Faster Recovery from Vertebral Artery Dissection and Stroke

I used every product on this page during my recovery. Each played a part in getting me back to driving, working, playing soccer, kayaking, snowboarding, and working out. My house looked like a physical therapy room for a while with marker tape on the floors and walls and everything but it worked.

Ask your doctor for prescriptions for these items so you can claim them as medical expenses

Exercise Ball such as the Valeo Body Ball (75 cm)
Exercise Mat such as the 1/4" Extra Thick Deluxe High Density Yoga Mat
Small Ball (soccer ball or basket ball size)
Balance Board such as the Carrom Company Balance Board
Wobble or Rocker Board
Walker such as the Medline Folding Rollator Walker
Safety Rail
Marking Tape (for exercises)
Exercise Bike

I am trying to add information about doctors and therapists who specialize in vertebral artery dissections to this site. If you know of a doctor who specializes in vertebral artery dissection or even has a great deal of experience with them, please email me. You can also contact me just to say hello or tell me about your experience. Read other Personal Stories of VAD's and share your personal story on the site.

Best VAD Product Award

No Kidding... A lot of people wrote to me and asked me to recommend some products to help them deal with their VAD and I was always listing this pillow at the top.

Relief from Neck Pain

The memory foam pillow supports your head and neck to minimize movement. This pillow allows you to rest easily and comfortably without fear of pain or harmful contortions. I still use mine.

Verterbal-Artery-Dissection-Happy-Group-3

Help Support our Cause

Please help provide more information about vertebral artery dissections. It takes money and time to keep this site going. In the future VertebralArteryDissection.com will include more information about doctors, therapies, and products and even information to help doctors give better care to VAD patients.

Visit the new VAD Facebook Page
(started 12/19/10) to discuss VAD, share stories, ask questions, and help others.

Read other Personal Stories of VAD's and share your personal story on the site.