Tactile Stimulation

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

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

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

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

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

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.

 

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