Stroke occurs when oxygen-carrying blood fails to reach the brain, which requires a constant supply of oxygen. When the brain is deprived of oxygen, brain cells begin to die and death can follow. Stroke survivors face serious disabilities, including the inability to walk and perform normal activities requiring the use of muscles. Physical therapy or rehabilitation strengthens muscles, loosens joints and muscles and helps stroke survivors regain the ability to perform normal activities.
Step 1
Work with a physical therapist or rehabilitation specialist and begin as soon as your doctor gives approval. Specialists have the knowledge and training to understand the physical needs and capabilities of stroke patients and the types of exercises that strengthen muscles. The sooner after a stroke that you begin rehabilitation, the better your chances for recovery. Exercises might include reeducating your muscles through electrical stimulation. According to MedlinePlus, rehabilitation helps improve your chances for a successful recovery.
Step 2
Stretch all of your muscle groups each day for 10 to 15 minutes. Stretching is typically performed before and after exercise. The National Center on Physical Activity and Disability also recommends stretching as a daily exercise to improve flexibility and functionality. Stretch all of your muscle groups for 15 to 30 seconds and perform extra stretching on muscle groups that feel very tight. Stretch the muscles on both sides of your body. You should not continue stretching if you feel pain.
Step 3
Walk to strengthen your leg muscles. Physical therapists who work with stroke survivors usually start exercise programs with walking, according to MedlinePlus. Walking exercises your large muscle groups and improves your gait. You might require equipment to help with walking, such as parallel bars, canes, walkers or leg braces.
Step 4
Begin a weight training program with a physical therapist to strengthen your muscles and reduce muscle contractions and spasms. Mary Jo Korn, with the American Council on Exercise, recommends a cautious approach to weight training, such as beginning in a sitting position and making gradual increases.
Step 5
Use the stroke-affected side of your body as much as you can to perform daily activities, such as dialing the telephone, eating and personal hygiene tasks. The National Center on Physical Activity and Disability recommends working on fine motor skills by drawing, playing video games and performing exercises that use the medicine ball.
Tips and Warnings
- Physical therapy is available to help stroke survivors strengthen hand and arm muscles, improving the ability to open and close the hands and use the fingers.
- Check with your health care team before performing exercises. Perform exercises only when someone is with you, such as a therapist or a family member.
References
- MedlinePlus: Stroke Rehabilitation
- National Center on Physical Activity and Disability: Flexibility/Functionality Training Guidelines
- American Council on Exercise: Starting a Stroke Recovery Fitness Program
- American Stroke Association: Weight Training After Stroke
- National Center on Physical Activity and Disability: Developing Fine Motor Skills
- American Stroke Association: Functional Tone Management Arm Training Program
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