Physical Therapy in Stroke In Rehabilitation

Having a stroke breaks vital connections between your brain and your muscles, which is why it is the leading cause of long-term disability and almost always results in some loss of mobility and movement. However, this loss isn’t necessarily permanent. In fact, rehabilitation is especially crucial during the early stages of recovery, when patients have little to no control over their affected muscles. No matter where you are in your journey toward recovery, your long-term progress will depend on a consistent physical therapy regimen.

What is a Stroke?

A Stroke is defined as an acute neurological deficit lasting more than 24hrs and is caused by a cerebrovascular aetiology.  The translation?  Neurological symptoms that last for more than 24hrs that can be attributed to changes in the blood supply to the brain. Just like your muscles, brain tissue relies on a constant blood supply to deliver enough oxygen.  In fact, did you know that the brain uses more than 20% of the body’s blood and oxygen?  With such a large oxygen demand, any prolonged interruption can lead to cell damage and eventually cell death.

Purpose of Post-Stroke Physical Therapy

In Stroke Physical Therapy plays an important role in the process of rehabilitation. Stroke often causes paralysis on one side of the body, which means patients lose function in one arm and one leg. In the first weeks and months of recovery, physical therapists work with stroke survivors to keep these muscles toned and stimulated – even before they regain voluntary movement. If and when function does return, physical therapy allows patients to relearn everyday skills and retrain their healthy brain cells to control the affected body parts.

Exercising after a stroke can be difficult due to the loss of muscle function (from brain damage), loss of balance and the resulting muscle weakness. This is when stroke patients are often referred to physiotherapists.

The brain cannot regenerate any cells lost during the stroke, but physiotherapy can help the brain reorganize existing cells to compensate for the loss (neuroplasticity).

As soon as oxygen is restored to your brain after stroke, your body and brain begin a long process of recovering from brain damage and loss of muscle function. Post-stroke rehabilitation is a huge part of this recovery process, and it often begins as early as 24 hours after stroke. Stroke physical therapists are able to stimulate affected muscles and nerves to maintain circulation and prevent stiffness, then guide patients through the stages of stroke recovery as they relearn basic muscle movements. 

Today, many physical therapists specialize in stroke and other types of neurological trauma. These therapists know how to help patients relearn complex bodily movements and avoid complications that could derail their progress later. After stroke, improving your balance, coordination, and other basic skills is essential to your overall quality of life.

AVA Neuro Rehabilitation Center offers comprehensive patient centered,  neuro-rehabilitation care for persons who suffered stroke, brain and spinal injuries. The goal of our stroke rehabilitation center is to achieve the best physical, mental, and social condition for our patient.