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For the thousands of Arkansans who have suffered from strokes, there is a new cutting edge recovery tool being offered right here in Arkansas. The system combines new technology with hard work to help patients recover more quickly and thoroughly. Strokes can leave people who were once very active unable to walk or use their arms and legs properly, but this new tool is changing the recovery process, making rehabilitation more effective and life after a stroke more normal. Judy Riddle never expected to be in this situation. Just a few months ago, she checked into Baptist hospital for cosmetic surgery, but after the surgery something happened. (Judy Riddle, Stroke patient)"After a couple of hours, I was having trouble coming to and they said something is definitely not right." Riddle had had a stroke. (Riddle) "My right arm, my right leg were so flacid, I didn't even really think I had a right arm or right leg-it was that dead." She was not paralyzed, but she could barely walk. Three months later, Riddle has made unbelievable progress and it has a lot to do new machine. It's called the Bioness and only a handful of Arkansas hospitals, including Baptist Health, have it. It's made up of two pieces and a small computer, the Bioness uses wireless electrical signals to stimulate nerves in the patients' legs. (Lou Tretter, Baptist Health Physical Therapist) "It helps with motor planning, king of re-learning some of the motor planning steps and strength. And just in general with the walking itself-it makes it safer to walk." Baptist Hospital Physical Therapist Lou Tretter says the system is less cumbersome than other rehabilitation tools and can help people with brain and incomplete spinal cord injuries as well as stroke patients like Riddle. (Tretter) "It doesn't matter if your stroke was last week or 10 years ago, if you have foot drop, there's a chance this device can help you. Shift your weight sideways, there you go, then, push up, there you go." There is no doubt the Bioness has helped Judy Riddle in her journey to recovery. (Riddle) "It's a miracle story to me--if you're the one on this side of the stick so to speak, it really is."
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