Brace Yourself: Everything You Need to Know About AFOs After Stroke

Brace Yourself: Everything You Need to Know About AFOs After Stroke by Dr. Jennifaye V. Brown is an empowering and comprehensive guide for individuals affected by stroke, their caregivers, and healthcare providers. Focused on the use of ankle foot orthoses (AFOs) to manage foot drop and restore mobility, this book demystifies selecting, fitting, and using AFOs to enhance independence and quality of life.

Dr. Brown, an experienced physical therapist and researcher, provides clear explanations of complex neurological and musculoskeletal concepts. She explores the mechanics of walking, foot anatomy, and how stroke affects mobility. The book provides actionable advice for collaborating with physical therapists and orthotists to tailor AFOs to individual needs, lifestyles, and preferences. Through detailed chapters, readers learn what questions to ask, what to expect during the fitting process, and how to address challenges like swelling, spasticity, or discomfort.

A key theme of the book is patient-centered care. Dr. Brown emphasizes the importance of designing AFOs that not only improve function but also align with personal style and self-image, reducing the stigma often associated with assistive devices. She highlights the role of AFOs in fostering confidence, promoting exercise, and preventing future strokes.

Packed with practical tips, professional insights, and real-world examples, Brace Yourself equips readers with the knowledge to advocate for themselves or their loved ones. It also serves as a resource for physical therapists and orthotists, offering guidance on using evidence-based practices to optimize AFO fit and functionality.

Dr. Brown's passion for improving the lives of those living with stroke shines through in this accessible and engaging book. Whether you're navigating recovery, supporting a loved one, or working in healthcare, this guide is an invaluable resource for restoring mobility and reclaiming a vibrant life.

Author: Jennifaye V. Brown
Publisher: Dr. Jennifaye V. Brown
Published: 01/28/2025
Pages: 62
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.41lbs
Size: 10.00h x 8.00w x 0.17d
ISBN: 9798897058471

About the Author
Brown, Jennifaye V.: - Jennifaye V. Brown is a PhD-trained physical therapist who has been board certified as a neurologic clinical specialist by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) for four 10-year terms. She is a neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT)-trained therapist with six additional courses taken after the NDT (Bobath) Three Week Course on Treatment of Adult Hemiplegia. While teaching students in various healthcare settings as an Advanced Credentialed Clinical Instructor by the Clinical Instructor Education Board of the APTA, Dr. Brown taught in the neuromuscular curriculum in physical therapy and physical therapy assistant programs and now teaches continuing education courses on adult neurologic examination and treatment intervention for acquired brain injury, particularly stroke. Dr. Brown's research agenda explored the 1) perceptions and opinions of individuals with stroke regarding their experiences with AFO fabrication, modification, and maintenance and how the AFO impacts walking and participation in life roles and 2) use of tests or outcome measures by physical therapists to determine AFO fit, function, and use. Dr. Brown currently resides in Charleston, South Carolina. As the owner of jvb physical therapy services llc, she values collaborating and consulting with individuals with brain injury (particularly stroke), caregivers, physical therapy practitioners, and orthotists (people who specialize in making an AFO) to make the best AFO for fit and function based on a comprehensive examination. She is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist who is experienced in accessibility home design allowing individuals with all types of brain injuries to safely age in place. Dr. Brown has made recommendations to adapt homes of individuals with chronic impairments whose goal was to improve their mobility resulting in 90% able to safely walk, exercise, and engage in physical activities with a custom AFO that she designed. As a certified personal trainer, Dr. Brown is an exercise enthusiast and enjoys teaching aquatic fitness classes. Dr. Brown is a member of the APTA, Neurology Section of the APTA, SC Chapter of the APTA, Athletics and Fitness Association of America, and a graduate of the prestigious APTA Fellowship in Education Leadership. Dr. Brown is a Certified Personal Trainer by the Athletics and Fitness Association of America and a Certified Aging in Place Specialist by the National Association of Home Builders.