Each May, Stroke Awareness Month puts a spotlight on one of the leading causes of long-term disability in the United States. Nearly 800,000 people experience a stroke every year, and for many, recovery is not just about survival. It is about rebuilding movement, confidence, and independence. 

Awareness months like this are a reminder of how critical early intervention, access to rehabilitation, and ongoing support can be. Research consistently shows that starting rehab within the first couple of weeks after a stroke can make a meaningful difference in long-term outcomes. 

Recovery looks different for everyone. But with the right support system and tools, progress is possible.

For many stroke survivors, the shoulder, arm, and hand can feel especially difficult to control. Weakness, instability, or spasticity can make even small movements challenging. 

Supportive devices can help by: 

• Keeping the shoulder properly aligned to reduce discomfort 

• Stabilizing the wrist and hand to encourage more natural positioning 

• Making it easier to participate in therapy and daily activities 

These types of solutions are often used alongside therapy to promote safe, controlled movement and help rebuild functional use over time. 

Ottobock offers multiple upper-limb solutions: 

• Omo Neurexa Plus: A shoulder orthosis for patients with shoulder pain and subluxation after stroke or CNS/PNS injury. By positioning the arm correctly, Omo Neurexa Plus helps inhibit pathological movement patterns, supports posture and gait, and may reduce pain. Color-coded snap fasteners make independent donning/doffing easier. 

• Manu Neurexa Plus: A wrist/hand orthosis for patients who need greater support or control of the wrist, hand, and fingers due to post-stroke paralysis, cervical disc issues, brachial plexus injury, or spasticity up to grade 1 on the Ashworth scale. It stabilizes in a neutral position to encourage active rehab and functional use. 

• Palmar Splint: A configurable hand support for therapy or nighttime positioning. The tool-free click system connects directly to Manu Neurexa Plus, while the adaptable, universal design simplifies fitting and inventory. 

WalkOn AFOs support patients with drop foot to achieve a more natural, symmetrical gait with fluid rollover and high energy return. Carbon-fiber construction keeps them lightweight, low-profile, and durable; trimmable footplates (shapeable with scissors) make fitting fast, often completed in a single visit.

WalkOn Lateral and WalkOn Reaction Lateral AFOs feature a lateral-strut design for active patients with weak dorsiflexion or paralysis. Key advantages include: 

• Carbon-fiber build for stability and responsive energy return 

• Slim, anatomical shape that supports dynamic gait at higher speeds 

• Lateral strut placement to avoid contralateral conflicts and better suit ankle supination or flat foot 

Stroke does not affect just one part of the body, so recovery should not focus on just one area either. When upper- and lower-body support work together, it can: 

• Improve overall balance and posture 

• Reduce compensatory movements that lead to fatigue 

• Support safer, more confident mobility 

That coordination can make a real difference in how people move through their day, from therapy sessions to everyday routines.