Recovery from a Stroke: How Does Physiotherapy Help?
Recovery from a stroke doesn’t end when you are discharged from hospital—indeed, for many patients, that is just the beginning.
The severity of the stroke determines how much it affects one’s motor and cognitive abilities and, consequently, how long the path to recovery will be.
On top of medication and lifestyle changes, physiotherapy can be instrumental in restoring one’s physical health, independence, and overall quality of life.
Read on to learn what to expect if you’re considering physiotherapy for yourself or a loved one recovering from a stroke.
A stroke is a medical condition in which poor blood circulation to the brain causes some brain cells to die. It is always a medical emergency; immediate medical intervention is key for preventing death and long-term ill effects.
A stroke can be caused by insufficient blood flow to the brain (ischemic stroke), or bleeding in the brain due to a ruptured blood vessel (haemorrhagic stroke).
This damage to the brain cells can cause a multitude of long-term effects, including memory loss, speech impairment, loss of sensory function, mood disorders, etc.
One of the most common effects is partial loss of motor function due to damage to the brain’s motor cortex. Think of it as though the stroke destroyed some of the instructions that our brain uses to move our bodies.
As many as 80% of stroke patients experience paralysis (specifically hemiparalysis, or the inability to move one side of the body). While the majority of patients will eventually regain enough motor function to walk independently, permanent loss of a limb’s function is also a possibility.
Following a stroke, the brain has to form new neural pathways for motion, essentially re-learning how to move.
This is why, on top of medication and lifestyle changes, physiotherapy often plays a big role in recovery from a stroke.
For some people, recovering motor function following a stroke can only take a matter of weeks; in some, rehabilitation can take months or years.
Positioning is key in the early stages of recovery from stroke, when the patient’s mobility, strength, and proprioception (the ability to sense one’s own movements and positioning) are most impaired.
Positioning affects the regulation of muscle tone—how tensed or relaxed muscles are— which is often damaged following a stroke. Proper positioning can also help with preventing pain and further injuries.
A physiotherapist can assess the patient’s needs and make recommendations for positioning techniques and supportive equipment as needed.
Physiotherapists are knowledgeable in training movement patterns. They will know what exercises are best for gradually regaining the mobility, strength, and coordination needed to move and walk independently.
They may start with exercises to regain strength and mobility in individual limbs, before moving on to re-training movement patterns such as sitting up, standing, and walking.
Balance issues are common amongst patients recovering from stroke. Physiotherapists can employ exercises specifically designed to retrain one’s balance and stability.
Relearning how to walk is one of the main priorities for individuals in recovery for stroke.
Even as one regains strength and mobility, abnormal gait patterns are still common. This is why frequent practice in the months following a stroke is important.
The physiotherapist can spot and help correct gait abnormalities such as imbalances, asymmetrical gait length, and severely impaired walking speed.
Restoring one’s ability to walk independently is often a priority for those in recovery from stroke, and is something physiotherapy can be instrumental in.
5. Ensure safety in your rehabilitation.
The motor and balance impairments experienced while in recovery from stroke can mean that attempting to stand up or walk can be risky.
Caregivers such as one’s family members are not always equipped with either the knowledge or physical strength to provide the needed support.
Physiotherapists are trained in assisting and handling patients with mobility impairments. and will often have access to assistive equipment that will make the rehabilitation process much safer.
In some cases, the patient will need either temporary or permanent use of mobility aids. This can be anything from canes and walkers to wheelchairs.
It is important to know how to properly use these devices in order to prevent accidents or further injuries (e.g., learning how to walk with a cane or self-propel using a wheelchair without injuring one’s upper limbs).
A physiotherapist can help train you in the proper usage techniques, as well as teach you exercises that can help alleviate any strain that may occur as you begin to use your equipment.
As well as being physically demanding, recovery from a stroke can also be mentally and emotionally difficult.
Some may feel despair at suddenly being unable to do things that used to be easy. Some may lose confidence or feel impatient with themselves, especially when the road to recovery is long.
Working with a calm, understanding and professional healthcare provider can make a massive difference in your rehabilitation experience.
The physiotherapist will likely have worked with numerous patients who have experienced a stroke and know how to provide the right emotional support and motivation.
Our physiotherapists are here to provide personalised support in your recovery from stroke.
Combining evidence-based approaches with compassionate, patient-first care, our goal is to be a reliable ally in your journey to mobility and independence.
And there’s no need to worry about travelling to your physiotherapy appointments: our mobile physiotherapy team can come to your place, making regular rehab much more convenient.
Call 02 8808 4000 or send us a message through this form to learn more!