From one moment to the next: When everyday life is no longer a given
The stroke changed Matthias’ life in an instant. His right side was affected: Immediately after the stroke, his hand, arm, and leg no longer functioned, and his speech was initially completely gone as well. Many abilities have since returned — something Matthias is very grateful for.
What remains are limitations in his arm and hand. These are particularly noticeable in everyday situations: opening doors, holding something while cooking, or driving a car — activities that used to be taken for granted suddenly became difficult or impossible. Matthias is also no longer able to work in his previous job as a groundskeeper, as it involved a great deal of physical activity.
Strong together — and still becoming more independent again
Matthias lives in Northern Germany with his husband and his dog. Fortunately, he does not have to manage the household on his own. Nevertheless, it is important to him to be able to do more things independently again and not have to rely on support for every task in everyday life.
Tasks that require both hands were a major challenge after the stroke. Carrying, holding, gripping, or stabilizing objects — all of these are part of normal daily life. With the exomotion® hand one, Matthias can now take a more active role again and carry out activities that would not have been possible immediately after the stroke.
Natural grip options: How the exomotion® hand one supports everyday life
Matthias learned about HKK Bionics and the exomotion® hand one through the Sanitätshaus Stolle in Hamburg. What he particularly likes about the hand orthosis are the natural grip options. They allow him to perform movements that are important in everyday life and at the same time feel familiar.
The exomotion® hand one helps Matthias, for example, to open doors or hold a pan while cooking in the kitchen. Two-handed gripping and carrying also works better again, such as when he carries a laundry basket. For Matthias, this means regaining a significant degree of independence.
Another advantage for him is how easy it is to operate. He was able to learn how to use the orthosis quickly. Matthias also finds it especially practical that the sensor is not permanently installed in his case, but can be positioned as needed. This allows the exomotion® hand one to be flexibly adapted to different everyday situations.
Small moments, great meaning: Giving treats to his dog again
In addition to the practical benefits, Matthias also has a very personal favorite moment with the exomotion® hand one:
„Being able to give my dog treats again and hold the toy in my other hand at the same time.”
What may sound like a small everyday situation to others means a great deal of quality of life to Matthias.
Matthias’ story shows how important independence in everyday life is — not only when it comes to household tasks, cooking, or opening doors, but also in the emotional moments of life. The exomotion® hand one supports him in doing more things by himself again and actively participating in his everyday life. For Matthias, this is an important step back toward greater freedom and joy in life.
Matthias’ story shows how important independence in everyday life is — not only when it comes to household tasks, cooking, or opening doors, but also in the emotional moments of life. The exomotion® hand one supports him in doing more things by himself again and actively participating in his everyday life. For Matthias, this is an important step back toward greater freedom and joy in life.