forced use

     "Forced use" is a term to indicate when a disabled person forces him/herself to use the affected  hand, arm, or leg so as to remind the brain that  they are still attached and are awaiting instructions on what to do next. Meanwhile, the arm might hang there like  a frozen wet towel, the hand has become a lobster claw, and​ the leg is so stiff that it cannot bend at the knee. In other words, the affected parts do not cooperate,  nor do they coordinate, with the brain. A lot of this has to do with spasticity because there is  great disagreement amongst the muscles, tendons, and nerves. Everybody wants  to goes first.    As a consequence, they all fire off at the same time  and create a logjam, so the brain signals have to find another way around.  
​     Now there is also such a term as neuroplasticity, which is where the brain finds a way around the obstructions to set up  different paths for the neurons to travel in order to make connections. But this takes lots of repetitions  and combinations, and  super patience.  One can also set time aside for a menu of activities that will start to involve the affected side, a few of which I'll share  here. Also, I'm open to suggestions if you would like to recommend an activity or want to send me a clip of you performing "forced use". Just keep it under two minutes.
​     Activities should include things one does on a regular basis. Take for example, loading the clothes in a washing machine, polishing shoes, and kitchen duty.