After Stroke Physiotherapy Approaches | Treatment and Challenges
Physiotherapy can be an effective approach to the treatment and rehabilitation of stroke. Physiotherapy can help in the recovery of movements, improve physical condition and reduce dependency on external factors post-stroke. It can help the individual to understand the condition and manage it effectively.
There are several post-stroke rehabilitation and physiotherapy interventions that are designed to help learn some of the skills that were impaired during the stroke. They can be specifically designed for the individual and the kind of stroke that they have undergone. This helps chart a clear treatment plan and ensure there is positive growth in recovery.
Purpose of Post Stroke Physiotherapy
The purpose of post-stroke physiotherapy is to ensure that the recovery process is efficient and adequate to ensure that the person is able to recover body movement and lead an independent life. It helps to reduce the risks of further medical concerns, and improve speech and movement depending on the stroke.
It also aims to set up a treatment plan that works with the medical and surgical intervention needed to treat stroke and provide a holistic rehabilitation plan to the individual.
Physiotherapy aims to improve motor control, improve learning and speech ability, and balance retraining, and functional mobility training in the individual. This can have a positive impact on the mental health of the individual and aid recovery.
When Do You Need Physical Therapy?
It is advisable to start physical therapy at the earliest. In most cases, the physiotherapists in consultation with the doctors will begin it right after surgery or after hospitalization. This is to allow the body to regain mobility and functions as and when the body can begin the healing process. In some cases, there is regular therapy in the first few weeks of the injury, and medical intervention, and is scaled as and when needed to aid recovery.
It is also important to be consistent with physical therapy as it allows the body to heal without a lot of stress and can improve functions when there is no break in physiotherapy.
The type and intensity of physiotherapy should be decided on the need and medical condition of the individual.
What Happens During Post-Stroke Physical Therapy?
Physiotherapy for stroke often has a specific goal set depending on the condition and intensity of the stroke. Physical therapy post stroke aims to improve mobility and motor functions in the individual and areas of the stroke. To achieve this, in post-stroke rehabilitation, the medical professional will conduct a series of tests and scans to understand the condition, cause, and possible rehabilitation measures that suit the individual best.
During this time, the professionals will chart a clear goal for the rehabilitation program based on the results of the tests. The rehabilitation will be slow and progress with time. For example, the first few activities may be simple exercises such as flexing. With time, it can improve motor skills, isotonic exercises, and other forms of rehabilitation that allow positive growth in the recovery process.
After Stroke Physiotherapy Challenges
One of the biggest challenges of after-stroke rehabilitation is that it takes time. This can be a slow and grueling process and can take a toll on the individual's physical and mental strength. However, with the right support and guidance, it does get better.
Other challenges for after-stroke physiotherapy include poor response to the plan charted by doctors, where the rehabilitation program fails to bring about any improvement. This can be a result of several factors such as incorrect methods, poor body responses, and other medical complications.
The severity of the stroke and its location can also be a challenge to the rehabilitation process, where in some cases the stroke physiotherapist may not be able to help as part of the treatment plan. Another key challenge is the willingness of the person to engage in the process. This can make medical intervention difficult for professionals.
Types of After Stroke Physiotherapy
Different types of After Stroke physiotherapy allow the individual to pick the best possible recovery plan. This entails exploring the following options.
Inpatient Physical Therapy
This involves a stay in a hospital, where separate rooms are provided for the care process and occur under the supervision of a doctor. This is often in conditions where they may be at high risk during the process of recovery or have to undergo medical intervention. This is done to ensure that there are no complications during the recovery time and often coincides with post-surgery rehabilitation programs.
Outpatient Physical Therapy
This involves the individual visiting the hospital for medical care and physiotherapy is required to stay there for a few hours. This is often done when the severity of the stroke is low and doesn't recover immediately. The individual will have to visit the hospital a few times a day or a week, depending on the intensity of the stroke and other treatment plans suggested by the doctors.
Home-Based Physical Therapy
As the name suggests, physiotherapy is offered at home, by trained professionals. This is often conducted when it is little or no need for medical intervention and support and the individual is at low risk of complications.
Personalized care and support can be provided by medical staff according to the need and demands of the individual. It can be provided by a regular resident physiotherapist or one who visits according to schedules, based on the needs of the individual. It allows for care and support at home and can make rehabilitation easier to manage as there is less external stress of movement and can be done in the comfort of the home.
Choose The Program that Is Best For You at Physiotattva
Defined by the goal to provide the best possible care, and to add life to our years, the team of dedicated individuals brings over 20 years of experience in the field of physiotherapy. With over 15 services that can be highly personalized, we offer world-class care for individuals seeking help.
Our experts will help you find the best possible treatment method and ensure comfortable care and recovery.