How Physiotherapy Can Help After A Stroke

If someone you love has suffered a stroke, you may be worried about how he or she will be able to function throughout the remainder of their life. In some cases, stroke can have devastating, long-lasting effects like paralysis and speech impediment. Your loved one's physician may have ordered physiotherapy as a part of his or her treatment plan. Find out more about the benefits of physiotherapy for stroke patients.

A Stroke Can Damage The Part Of The Brain That Controls Movement

Some patients experience weakness on one side of their body while many others experience paralysis on one side of their body, which is called hemiplegia. The level of paralysis your loved one has depends on how much of the brain was damaged during the stroke. The good news is that through physiotherapy, many stroke patients regain all or some of the use of their paralyzed limbs. Your loved one's brain will begin to re-organize cells that were not damaged by the stroke through a natural process called neuroplasticity. Your loved one's physician will order physical therapy after a stroke with the hope of successful neuroplasticity taking place.

Getting Your Back On The Move

If your loved one does not re-gain all the mobility in a limb affected by a stroke, he or she will need to learn how to cope, especially if that person lives alone. Some parts of physiotherapy can include helping your loved one learn how to use a left hand if they were right-handed before a stroke impacted the right side of their body. Your loved one will need to learn how to eat and perform other daily tasks requiring the use of their hand. The same is also true if a stroke patient needs to learn how to use a walker or a wheelchair. Discuss with your loved one's health care provider about the severity of his or her stroke and the areas of physiotherapy most important to him or her regaining independence.

After The Hospital Stay Is Over

Many stroke patients start receiving physiotherapy while in the hospital and continue it after they go home. Physiotherapy professionals can visit your loved one's home and provide care through a home health care plan. If your stroke patient had to go home in a wheelchair or on a walker, therapy for learning how to get the most mobility using these types of medical equipment can continue as well.

Watching someone you love endure the effects of a stroke can be hard. However, through physiotherapy, your loved one can get back to living a satisfying and fulfilling life. For more information, contact a physiotherapist at a clinic like Clayton Heights Sports & Therapy Center.

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