It is a sad fact that continuation of effective rehabilitation is generally unavailable from the Health Service once sufficient movement to move around has been achieved. Physiotherapy is essential, but what about when physiotherapy is no longer 'working'. Stroke survivors know that they have reached a new stage in recovery, but where to go from there?

Most after-stroke classes that do exist are completely unable to provide people with the tools to effectively cope with the rigours of daily life, let alone the overwhelming sense of physical inadequacy that keeps people firmly inside their comfort zones. This is particularly difficult if extra problems persist such as epilepsy or aphasia.

This is because such classes normally place great emphasis on meeting/socialising. This is great, these meetings are very valuable. However, the impression can easily and frustratingly be given that post re-hab, you have do just do the best you can with what you have. But this is not so.

There are very few accessible sources from which to find out how to go about regaining actual movement. There exist exercise classes in the UK for stroke survivors, but they routinely play safe, do the minimum, don't push you hard and don't show you how to push yourself hard. The switched-on stroke survivor knows that no gains are going to come easy, and is prepared to work hard. But, given the serious paucity of innovative approaches towards stroke rehab in this country, begins to wonder if nothing is out there which is really going to really work.

Intuition tells you that there is more that you can do than just trying to wiggle your hands and feet round in little circles, whilst sitting in a comfy chair

So what do you do, and which of the sources do you assess to be worthwhile? How do you know what is effective? If see something that looks effective in another domain, how do you evaluate whether it will work for stroke rehab, or just be a waste of time?

Basically, there is so much misinformation out there and most of it is not worth a jot for real-life transformation. Many of you will be aware of the mass of partial information and anecdotal evidence floating about, especially on internet sites. How do you weed though all of it?

How are you going to make the choice to try something new when most of it is so costly and there are no guarantees of success? We appreciate that it's very difficult. Most people give up at this point. They give up, blame it all on others and go off and moan about it in an internet message or chat-room. And in doing so, never really ever comprehend that the human mind is an absolutely extraordinary self-healing mechanism that once activated in the right ways, with the right attitude can perform miracles. Don't be one of those people.

ARNI is designed by a successful stroke survivor as a working structure to help people who want to make as full recovery as possible and who were willing to explore options, be self-motivated, persistent and open-minded. It has recently (September 2006) become a charity, with the aim of helping stroke survivors all around the UK achieve their goals. Please look further into our site, and especially at the testimonials from past and existing ARNI clients and their carers/family.

What is it?

It is a unique programme, aimed directly at recovery from partial paralysis. The programe is based on our direct and practical experience of stroke recovery.

It encompasses:

• Stroke specific movements adapted from the martial arts

• Stroke specific resistance training

• Energy training, acupuncture and nutritional care

• Motivational counselling

The ARNI program offers a uniquely tailored training regime for the individual, which revolves around the elements above. It relies on the holistic effects of a combination of complementary strategies that aim to hit targets for individual cases. Importantly, it is presumed that each case will be different and thus will require a different emphasis. As the training is so personalised it offers a unique chance to benefit from training that is normally absolutely inaccessible to the average stroke survivor. Indeed, this dedicated approach is completely unique; it has been designed specifically for the needs of the stroke survivor with partial paralysis who feels that they cannot find any way to recuperate further using more traditional approaches.

How does ARNI work?

It is difficult to give specifics because training will be tailored to the individual. The application of individual trial and error is required in order to see what can be done and what goals can be reached. In broad terms all training given will be appropriate to the individual. It will consist of both physical and mental approaches and these will be explained on the course.

You might find yourself wondering by now whether you could even think about doing something like this especially as we will tell you it requires a lot of hard work. Actually it is progressive hard work. There is a big difference. We will surely push you, but within your own limitations, which are of course going to be moving targets. The rehabilitative movements are done at a very basic and recuperative level, designed especially for the trainee. Likewise, essential resistance training is carried out at a low level with great care in exercise selection and attention to form. If you feel that you could benefit from contact with our team or know someone else who would, then please contact us for consideration and evaluation.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OUR MISSION - PLEASE READ!

WHAT IS A STROKE?