Strokes are life-threatening medical conditions, in which blood is prevented from reaching your brain. They can cause severe and possibly permanent damage to your physical and mental capabilities. Fortunately, a proper physical therapy program devised by medical professionals can help restore the skills that were impaired by the stroke.
Strokes
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of your brain is blocked or severely reduced, leaving your brain without oxygen and nutrients. There are two types of strokes: hemorrhagic and ischemic. In a hemorrhagic stroke, a blood vessel becomes weak and ruptures, causing blood to leak. An ischemic stroke occurs when a blood vessel traveling to the brain is blocked, preventing blood from reaching the brain. Strokes are medical emergencies, as brain cells begin to die after just a few minutes. Symptoms of a stroke include numbness on one side of your body or face, headaches, and trouble walking and talking. If you experience any of these, seek medical attention immediately. According to the Mayo Clinic, early action can minimize brain damage and potential complications.
Rehabilitation Goals
The goals of rehabilitation are to restore your health, physical and mental functioning, and well-being to the highest level possible. According to the Ohio State University Medical Center, the prognosis for stroke patients is better today than ever due to advances in treatment and rehabilitation. Teams of trained professionals, including physicians, nurses, physical therapists and speech pathologists, will formulate your rehabilitation program, including your physical therapy. The plan will focus on treating your condition, preventing complications, improving body function and helping you adapt to lifestyle changes. Areas covered in rehab include mobility, communication, cognitive and life skills, pain management, education, and family support.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy following a stroke depends more on the symptoms you suffer from rather than the type of stroke you endured. Therefore, most stroke patients undergo similar therapies. Physical therapy from a stroke usually begins about 24 to 48 hours after the stroke, once your condition stabilizes. The first steps include promoting movement by using range-of-motion exercises to strengthen your weakened limbs. Eventually, you can begin sitting up and walking. Over time, your work will become progressively more complex and demanding. Once you can carry out basic daily activities, your rehabilitation will focus on maintaining and refining these skills.
Prognosis
Recovery prognosis and timeline vary from patient to patient. According to the National Institutes of Health, problems moving, thinking and talking often improve weeks and months after a stroke, and some patients may continue to improve in the following years.
