Rehabiliation after a Stroke

A stroke occurs when a blood flow restriction to part of the brain results in a loss or alteration of bodily function. Every 53 seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke. About 600,000 Americans will have a stroke this year and 160,000 of them will die. However, more and more people are surviving strokes; about 4.5 million stroke survivors are alive today. With proper rehabilitation, more survivors are continuing to lead productive and fulfilling lives.

The key to optimum recovery is a team approach to rehabilitation that includes early intervention by a physical therapist. The type of treatment one can expect will depend on the limitations found in an evaluation and the goals of the individual. Together these items will be used to tailor a program for the stroke survivor.

A few types of interventions one can expect are: joint mobilizations to loosen up joints, stretches, strength training, gait & balance exercises, proprioceptive training and cardiovascular training. Not only will the stroke survivor participate in physical therapy treatment sessions but they will have an individual home exercise program to follow. This home exercise program is the patients' responsibility to follow and is important in achieving maximum function and long-term maintenance after discharge from physical therapy.

It is highly recommended that post rehabilitation the stoke survivor continue an exercise program either at home or in a facility. If exercising in a facility such as a health club, it is advised to seek instruction of all equipment by a knowledgeable professional that is familiar with contraindications to exercise of a stoke survivor. This must be done prior to beginning a community program and may be done by the physical therapist prior to discharge.

By continuing to challenge the body, improvements no matter how small can be expected. Ongoing research in stoke rehabilitation is promising and it can be said that the mind truly is a powerful thing. What was once thought to be impossible now is the norm!

By Carol Glasscock, MS, PT