SaeboReach, part of the therapy program at The Center for Stroke and Hand Recovery, helps patients who’ve suffered a stroke regain mobility

By Laura Briedis

As the leading cause of disability in the U.S., stroke affects more than 700,000 Americans every year, leaving many with crippling side effects including the loss of hand function. But now thanks to Sharon Covey, occupational therapist and president of The Center for Stroke and Hand Recovery, area residents are improving the quality of their lives at this outpatient clinic in Solon.

One of a handful of Saebo-certified practitioners in town, Sharon works with patients after a stroke to help them regain function in their hands and arms—even those who had a stroke five to 10 years ago.

Based on new research documenting the brain’s ability to re-program itself following injury, SaeboFlex and SaeboReach allow patients with little residual arm and hand function to perform task-oriented grasp and release activities, thereby forging new pathways in the brain.

“I treat stroke patients others have given up on,” she comments. One patient she helped was a young woman who had a stroke 10 years ago and just recently came to The Center for Stroke and Hand Recovery, for treatment. “She was so happy that for the first time she could peel a carrot,” Sharon says. “It is these little things most people take for granted that I help patients with.”

With more than 20 years of experience, Sharon not only rehabilitates stroke patients but also those who have arthritis, fractures, lacerations, joint problems, carpal tunnel, and other repetitive stress injuries.

“Through a comprehensive evaluation, I identify limiting factors and develop a treatment plan,” Sharon says.

“Regardless of which hospital or doctor patients have been to for treatment, they can come to my specialized center for follow-up care,” states Sharon, noting that she offers consistent treatment because all patients are seen by her, not a team of therapists.

“Occupational therapy is a direct access profession, which means you can walk in without a doctor’s referral for treatment, except for the limitations of Medicare, Medicaid, and Workers' Comp,” she explains. “And the center accepts most insurance plans, so check us out to see how we can greatly improve your quality of life.”

The Center for Stroke & Hand Recovery is located at 5910 Harper Road, Suite 102, in Solon. For an appointment, call 844-987-8765. Visit StrokeandHandRecovery.com.