DELAND, Fla, October 23, 2008 ¾  Approximately 780,000 Americans each year suffer a new or recurrent stroke, which means, on average, a stroke occurs every 40 seconds, according to the Stroke Association.

Treatment options have been limited for post-stroke patients, especially for those who suffered a stroke years ago or have little movement.

Florida Hospital DeLand has launched a breakthrough treatment approach in upper extremity stroke rehabilitation from Saebo, Inc. - the SaeboStretch, SaeboFlex and SaeboReach. 

Florida Hospital DeLand is the first in West Volusia County to offer such innovative programming with a Saebo trained technician. 

 “Saebo Arm Training is for people who have suffered a stroke and have lost the use of their arm and/or hand,” said Nicole Scheiman, Occupational Therapist at Florida Hospital DeLand. “Even if it has been many years since the stroke, Saebo Arm Training may assist in regaining arm and hand use again.”

The SaeboStretch is a revolutionary hand splint used for recovery after a neurological injury such as a stroke.  The splint, unlike rigid splints of the past, helps to prevent joint damage while improving and maintaining range of motion. 

The SaeboFlex is a custom-fitted dynamic hand orthosis designed to increase arm and hand movement for the same type of injuries.  It is designed to help patients with grasp and release activities with the involved arm and hand, while the SaeboReach is an extension piece on the SaeboFlex which gives the elbow more range of motion.

Both occupational therapists, John Farrell and Henry Hoffman, the creators of the Saebo products, designed their products with the idea that stroke patients never reach a “plateau” – there is a chance for further recovery.  People up to 20 years post stroke can possibly benefit from these breakthroughs.

 “Saebo products are an exciting new option for stroke patients,” Scheiman said.  “They are a great treatment option, in conjunction with other stroke rehab services, that give hope to patients who suffered a stroke years ago and to those who have lost hope.” 

SaeboStretch, SaeboFlex and SaeboReach are an Occupational Therapy Service in Rehabilitative Services at Florida Hospital DeLand. 

###

Saebo, Inc is a provider of innovative stroke rehabilitation products. You can learn more about Saebo and view "before and after" videos of patients who have benefited from the products at www.saebo.com

Florida Hospital DeLand, located at 701 West Plymouth Avenue in DeLand, was established in 1962 and is a 156-bed acute-care hospital. Florida Hospital DeLand is a part of the Adventist Health System; the largest Protestant not-for-profit hospital system in the nation and works to provide exceptional, patient-focused care to the DeLand community. For more information about Florida Hospital DeLand, call 386-943-4748.