building muscle in recovery

That does leave you in a difficult situation, Sam, and I get what you are saying.  What about this option-as you go through your activities of daily living (gosh, i just love the ADL shorthand that Occupational Therapists created four us) focus on how you do things?  Is your posture distorted to one side as you lift and carry, or whatever the action is? Notice and analyze how you move when you do things.  If you are stronger on the right side then practice using the left side more .  Pick things up from your off side.  Focus  on keeping your weight balanced, right to left, in your butt as you use your chair. If you are now doing some things on your feet use the same strategy.  Keep your back straight as you move.  

You probably do those things quite a lot already but we can't do enough of it because favoring the strong side is so  automatic, and we get in a rush to complete a task.  Iff you can work in a 30 minute rest in bed during the day would that help?  For me laying down decreases muscle tension and neuropathy symptoms quite  bit.

Likely you can work in a few stretches and a bit of lifting things while standing as you go through your day.  Lifting a can or bag with weight while standing within the walker, or next to the sink as I do is a very good way to strengthen your core and core coordination.  This plan of full-time "awareness" is actually what all of us need to strive for anyway.  As we improve our coordination it takes less energy to complete ADLs and you may find your day a bit less exhausting.  I can do more now simply because the way I move is less taxing.