Neuro Patterning Series

Blog 1: Borrowed Strength – Why Your Body Cheats and How to Fix It

By Amin Kassim, Founder of Greater Than

Paralysis after stroke is rarely about muscle damage. More often, it's the result of a broken connection between brain and body. Signals that once traveled automatically now move through unfamiliar paths or not at all. Early recovery isn’t about getting stronger. It’s about learning how to reconnect. We need to relearn the basics all over again. Yes its frustrating but you've done it before and you can do it again.

Most people go about this the wrong way. They try to move before they’re ready, force through reps, or rely on unaffected muscles to carry the load. The result is compensation patterns that feel productive but rely on the wrong pathways and delay long-term progress.

Why the Body Cheats

When your brain can’t activate a target muscle, it will find a way to complete the task using whatever’s available. For example:

• Inner quad activation during calf extension
• Upper traps taking over for weak deltoids and rotator cuffs
• Over-reliance on the non-affected side during basic movement

This isn’t bad effort, it’s misdirected effort. If ignored, these patterns become hardwired. What looks like progress may actually be making recovery harder.

The Priority on Signal

In the early stages of stroke rehab, the goal isn’t motion, it’s signal. Before you load weight or increase reps, you need to be sure the right muscle is responding to the right command. That’s how true recovery begins.

The movements below are designed to help rebuild those connections through feedback, intention, and controlled effort.

Foundational Movements for Reconnection

1. Quadruped Hold (Triceps Re-engagement)

With hands under shoulders and knees under hips, this static hold sends feedback from the palm through the arm. For many, it’s the first time the triceps begin to respond post-stroke.

• Why it works: Grounded pressure provides sensory input and stimulates correct joint alignment.
• Tip: Focus on keeping both elbows engaged evenly. Over time increase load by shifting your weight forward towards your shoulders.

2. TENS Unit and Visualization

Electrical stimulation is helpful, but it’s not enough on its own. Visualizing the movement while the muscle fires helps the brain learn what it feels like to recruit the muscle again.

• Why it works: Combining external stimulation with internal focus supports neuroplasticity.
• Tip: Don’t rush. Picture the movement clearly before and during each pulse.

3. Single-Leg Stand (Balance and Glute Activation)

Instead of squatting, hold onto a stable surface and try standing on one leg, the affected side. Focus on stability. If you’re up for it, close your eyes to challenge your balance further.

• Why it works: Strengthens the foot, glutes, and core while training proprioceptive awareness.
• Tip: Don’t aim for time. Aim for clean, steady balance.

4. Leg Extensions and Hamstring Curls (Targeted Limb Repatterning)

Use these to isolate muscle activation in the quad and hamstring. Machines are ideal, but resistance bands can be used as a substitute if you don't have access to a gym. Prioritize quality over quantity and stop if other muscles begin to compensate.

• Why it works: Separates extension and flexion patterns and reinforces voluntary control.
• Tip: Pause at the top of each rep. Feel the contraction before releasing.

How to Spot Compensation

Watch your body closely. If you're unsure, film your movements. Look for:

• Pelvic shifts or dips when standing or walking
• Shoulder hiking when lifting the arm
• Uneven effort in leg press or bridges

Awareness is everything. Once you can see the pattern, you can begin to fix it.

Summary: The Goal of Day One

Don’t rush recovery. Focus on:

• Clean signal instead of visible motion
• Intentional movement instead of max effort
• Isolation before compound movement

Healing begins when effort is aligned with awareness. Neuromuscular recovery doesn’t reward doing more it rewards doing it right. As my coach used to say, "Do it right, and do it light. Do it wrong, and do it long." Keep fighting, you will heal and you are not alone. God bless.