Three goals of stroke rehab from a physical therapist

Sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body. Difficulty walking. Sudden confusion or difficulty understanding speech. These are signs of a medical issue called a stroke. 

Strokes typically occur when blood flow to the brain is blocked. They’re also far more common than you might think. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that every 40 seconds, an American experiences a stroke. Strokes are a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. However, once you’re stabilized, a physical therapist can help you find effective stroke rehabilitation. 

A physical therapist can help you meet these three stroke rehab goals

Stroke rehabilitation will often involve many medical professionals, including physical therapists. Your physical therapist can evaluate your needs and build you a recovery plan that’s fitted to those needs. They’ll also ask you questions to determine what your personal goals are for your recovery. 

Three of the goals physical therapists can help stroke patients meet include: 

1. Maintaining muscle tone — Often, a stroke leads to temporary paralysis on one side of the body. Not working the affected limbs can cause weakness in their muscles, and this can increase your recovery time. Your  physical therapist can use manual therapy to mobilize and stimulate the affected limbs. In turn, your muscles can be kept toned and ready for the latter stages of your recovery. 

2. Improving your ability to do daily tasks — People who’ve had strokes often have a reduced ability to do normal daily tasks. Lying down on a bed can be difficult. Walking more than a few steps could be impossible. Even lifting utensils or glasses could be problematic. Your physical therapist can show you exercises and techniques intended to retrain your brain to do such tasks.

3. Increasing balance — The physical effects of a stroke can leave you feeling unsteady. They’re also likely to cause a fall. One study found that falling was the leading cause of fractures in up to 50% of stroke patients. A therapy specialist can help you learn how to use assistive devices designed to help you stay stable. They can also help you improve muscle strength and coordination; such improvements can help boost your ability to balance. 

Advent Physical Therapy is here to help you find effective stroke rehab

Have you or someone you know recently had a stroke? Our Advent Physical Therapy team is primed to help you find the effective stroke rehab that you require. We offer complimentary screenings that can assess the issues the stroke has caused. Our physical therapists can then build a therapy plan that’s personalized to your needs. 

Not able to come into one of our clinics? No worries! Our team offers services that allow us to come to you, including at-home care and virtual therapy sessions. We can even help you begin your recovery if you don’t have a doctor’s referral. 

Contact our team today for more information about how we can help with stroke recovery or to schedule an initial appointment.