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Depending of the severity of a stroke, stroke recovery can be very difficult. While it’s no drug or treatment to reverse the effects of stroke such as brain damage, impaired speech, or compromised motor abilities there is post-stroke rehabilitation (PSR) that can help you re-stabilized your body so you can begin the rebuilding process of your normal functioning. PSR is designed for long-term results. Patients in PSR have to relearn skills that were lost due to the stroke that can include:
• Coordinating leg movements in order to walk or carrying out the steps involved in any complex activity.
• Learning new ways of performing tasks to circumvent or compensate for any residual disabilities.
• Learn how to bathe and dress using only one hand
• Learn how to communicate effectively when their ability to use language has been compromised
The first step is practicing moving the body parts that have been directly affect by the stroke. This can include passive range-of-motion exercises where the physical therapist actively moves the patient’s limbs. Active range-of-motion is when the patient can independently do the exercises. Patient’s progress can range from simply changing positions in the bed to performing daily task that they were able to do prior to the stroke. This process can take months or years depending on the severity of the stroke and patient progress.
There are many different people trained in the medical/health profession that can assist with stroke rehabilitation such as:
• Physicians: They guide the patient’s general health and help to prevent future strokes
• Rehabilitation nurses: They help carry out basic needs for the patients until they can perform
those task on their own
• Physical therapists: They specialize in motor disabilities and sensory impairments
• Occupational and recreational therapists: They focus on relearning skills related to physical ability
• Speech-language pathologists: They help improve patient’s speech
• Vocational therapists: They help patient’s get back into the world of working
Aside from having a support team to guide you through your healing process you will also have options of where you can receive your PSR.
• Inpatient rehabilitation units: Typical facilities have patients stay for 2-3 weeks where therapy will be generally 3 hours 5-6 times a week
• Outpatient units: Patients come on a daily basis for treatment
• Nursing facilities: They provide PSR care but are more focused on residential care
• Home-based rehabilitation programs: You can have a trained professional come to your home
for treatment
For more information on your PSR options please visit www.womenshealth.gov.