Sudden numbness in one side of the body. Unexplained dizziness, trouble walking or difficulty speaking. A suddenly occurring severe headache. All these symptoms are consistent with a stroke.
Strokes are the fourth most common cause of death in the U.S., and about 800,000 Americans have a stroke annually. This condition occurs due to a blockage in blood flow to the brain. The decreased blood flow can lead to many neurological and physical consequences. A physical therapist can help you rehabilitate after a stroke, and these specialists are ready to help you meet as many of your recovery goals as possible.
What are three common goals of stroke rehabilitation?
Each patient will have specific goals for his or her stroke rehab, and your physical therapist will take the time to find out what these goals are. These specialists can also help you set and reach goals that you hadn’t even thought of.
Three of the common goals that stroke therapy plans are designed to meet include:
- Keeping your muscles toned — Often, a stroke leads to temporary paralysis in the arm and leg on one side of the body. Not being able to move these limbs can cause problems. One common problem is muscle atrophy, which is when the muscle wastes away.
A physical therapist can use manual therapy methods to manipulate muscles in your paralyzed arm and leg; this can help keep them toned for later in your recovery process.
- Helping you recover lost skills — The functional difficulties strokes can cause are wide ranging. They can cause you to lose the ability to manipulate silverware. It can be harder to sit or lie down. Your therapy specialist can work with you to reduce the functional difficulties you have after a stroke.
- Boosting your independence — One of the hardest things about strokes is the loss of independence they cause. Paralysis and functional issues could mean relying on others just to eat or get in bed.
Your physical therapist will work with you to find ways to increase your independence. For instance, they can help you learn how to learn to use assistive devices. An example would be helping you learn how to use a walker to get around on your own.
Border Therapy Services can help you meet your stroke rehab goals
Ready to start meeting your stroke rehab goals? Our physical therapists at Border Therapy Services are ready to partner with you and help you do so. We can evaluate you to determine the issues you’re facing. Additionally, our physical therapists are adept at creating personalized rehab programs designed to increase your strength, function and independence.
Not able to get into one of our clinics as often as you’d like? No worries! Our physical therapists can help you get therapy from home using our at-home care and virtual therapy services.
Contact us today for more information on our stroke rehab services or to schedule an initial appointment.