After the stroke, they started the usual general exercises according to my condition. (My left side was completely paralyzed. I was unable to walk or move my fingers.) Then I was sent to Budapest, where I was raised from the wheelchair by holding on to the rib wall with one hand, then they started teaching me to walk with a cane, and to transfer from the bed to the wheelchair.
Due to the covid epidemic, I came home under the supervision of my family. They found physiotherapist Dóra Karsai, who, from the very beginning, assessed my condition and worked with me individually using the Arni method, with great expertise. It is true that the physiotherapist assigned by the family doctor also visited me 16 times. I am also very grateful to him, but due to the parallel sessions, the difference in method was obvious in favor of Arni.
Dóri consistently paid attention to the development of my muscles. Thanks to this, in the third week of my stay at home, I was able to go from my room to the bathroom with a cane, without help. It's true that I still put my feet a little clumsily, but I made it there and back.
According to the method she used, Dóri tried to teach and practice movement phases that are absolutely necessary for everyday independence (grip-release, etc.), and she also suggested and brought tools for these.
Since all members of my family work, I spend my mornings alone and try to take care of myself. Thanks to my fitness, I brush my teeth and shave on my own, and I take the food out of the fridge and heat it up. I won't hide it, there is a lot of work behind it. Constant consultation with Dóri helps a lot.
In my opinion, one of the keys to the success of the Arni method is the continuous consultation between the patient and his trainer. Sharing experiences with each other and incorporating them into further work. Another important factor is a helpful family. At my place, my wife or one of my sons records the exercises with Dóri on their phone, and then we practice them. What's more, the step phases are analyzed based on slow-motion footage, and Dóri uses them to make suggestions for further tasks and exercises. All these help a lot.
I feel very lucky that the physiotherapist who uses the Arni method guides my work. My opinion is also confirmed by the fact that I was in a state hospital and in paid rehabilitation. I acknowledge and appreciate the work going on there, but based on my opinion and experience, the thoughtfulness and consistency of Arni's method is lacking everywhere. I also voice this, and I recommend to the doctors and physiotherapists who work with me to inquire about the Arni method, because it will broaden their perspective in the treatment of their patients.
If I wanted to briefly summarize what the Arni method gave me, I would say: hope, purposefulness, perseverance and slow but tangible results.
I am very grateful to Dóra Karsai, my trainer Arni, for all of this.
