Occupational Therapy & Stroke Rehab

Patients who suffer a stroke often require extensive rehabilitation and therapy following the incident to regain functionality. Occupational therapy is often a vital part of stroke rehab to help patients learn to complete day-to-day tasks within any limitations imposed on them as a result of the stroke.

Function

• Occupational therapists help stroke patients relearn how to complete domestic tasks, such as preparing meals and cleaning their homes. Therapists usually break complex tasks up to small components and help patients practice each part before attempting to complete an entire task, such as cooking dinner. They also help patients modify their homes and belongings to accommodate their needs by installing bars and railings and reorganizing closets and cupboards. Some patients may practice driving and other complicated tasks with an occupational therapist.

Benefits

• Having an occupational therapist come to a stroke patient’s home helps the patient learn how to organize and modify the surroundings to minimize difficulties. Occupational therapists are trained to recognize potential problems that patients themselves might overlook without an expert opinion. A 2006 study conducted by the Stroke Therapy Evaluation Programme at the Glasgow Royal Infirmary in Scotland found that 97 out of 1,000 stroke patients who underwent occupational therapy avoided death, deteriorating health and dependent living.

Time Frame

• Many stroke patients begin occupational therapy right after the stroke, often while they are still hospitalized. Beginning occupational therapy as soon as possible can help stroke patients avoid having to depend on someone else to assist them with basic daily tasks as they continue their recovery. After they are released from the hospital, most stroke patients continue occupational therapy at a rehabilitation center or in one-on-one sessions at their homes. Occupational therapy sessions may continue for a few weeks to a year or more depending on the severity of the stroke and the difficulties the patient experiences.

Considerations

• Occupational therapy often works best when it is combined with other aspects of a rehabilitation program. Many stroke patients undergo several other types of therapy, including physical therapy and speech therapy, to help them regain control of their bodies and speech. Psychiatric treatment can help stroke patients deal with the emotional effects of a stroke and prevent severe depression and anxiety. Stress-reducing techniques can help patients function better during occupational therapy sessions by allowing them to focus on the task at hand instead of their feelings regarding their limitations.

Expert Insight

• Valerie Hermann, an occupational therapist at the University of Cincinnati’s Neuromotor Recovery and Rehabilitation Lab suggests that the goal of occupational therapy for stroke patients should be to recover as much functionality as possible and help patients address areas of concern in which they want to improve. The first year of therapy is vital to recovery, and Hermann states that the likelihood of recovery is better for patients who put forth a lot of effort in occupational therapy sessions during the first year. Hermann also suggests that stroke patients ask for a referral to an occupational therapist from their rehabilitation or primary care doctor.