How to Understand the Physiotherapy of Strokes

Strokes are caused by a blocked artery to the brain (ischemic stroke) or a bleeding artery (hemorrhagic stroke). Some of the brain tissue dies and causes loss of function or even death. The ability to recover from a stroke varies widely due to factors such as age, existing health conditions and the location and extent of the damage. The sooner an individual is treated and begins rehabilitation to attempt to restore lost function, the better the outcome. Physiotherapy, also called physical therapy, is an important method to assist in an individual's rehabilitation, and for preventing future strokes. Some or all of the following steps may be used in stroke physiotherapy.

Instructions

• 1

  Exercise the limbs that have not been affected by the stroke to maintain strength and muscle tone. Follow the individualized exercise protocol. A physical therapist can help exercise weakened or paralyzed limbs by moving them for you to maintain range of motion and relieve shortened muscles due to inactivity. Stretching should be done two to three times a week.

• 2

  Practice activities such as changing position in the bed, sitting up and moving to a wheelchair. Resume as many normal activities as possible to benefit mental and physical health.

• 3

  Restrain unaffected limbs for constraint-induced movement therapy to "rewire" the brain and restore lost function to the weak or paralyzed limb. Areas of the brain affected by tissue death cannot be rehabilitated, but other parts of the brain may compensate for damaged areas.

• 4

  Perform specific mobility therapies two to three times a week to develop coordination, balance and gait as needed. Individuals who have loss of sight or limb function may need to learn to walk differently to avoid bumping into objects or falling.

• 5

  Learn new ways to accomplish tasks that have been affected by the stroke. Break tasks into small steps, develop cues to help you remember how to do them and practice repeatedly.

• 6

  Engage in aerobic exercise three to seven days a week. Any activity that uses the large muscles, such as walking or cycling, will increase independence, raise tolerance for increasing amounts of physical activity and reduce the risk of future cardiovascular conditions.

• 7

  Build muscle strength using weight machines, circuit training and isometric exercise two or three days a week.