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Nov 01
2017

How Physical Therapy Helps After Stroke

Stroke impacts nearly 800,000 of us annually, leaving many with the necessity of finding new ways to function for day-to-day life. While some patients that have suffered a stroke may have long lasting effects, physical therapy helps after a stroke in many ways. Physical therapy can help with paralysis and loss of muscle function — both common side effects from stroke.

During a stroke, the brain can become damaged and this results in many different after effects in the body, including: paralysis, loss of control, loss of function and more. A stroke can cause several different types of disabilities, including: issues with language, paralysis and movement control issues, sensory impairments, thinking or memory issues or emotional disturbances.

A physical therapist is able to offer help in regards to the treatment of motor and sensory impairments and will walk you through several options and exercises to help.

If you are unable to complete exercises yourself (active), your physical therapist will assist you through the movements (passive.)

How Physical Therapy Helps After Stroke

Enlisting the help of a physical therapist will greatly increase your chances of returning to a normal life or greatly improve the quality of life after a stroke. There are many benefits of physical therapy after a stroke, including:

• Improve function
• Regain independence or become as independent as possible
• Improve quality of life
• Help with circulation
• Reduce stiffness
• Regain muscle function and control
• Improve coordination
• Improve balance
• Improve strength

Keeping muscles moving and toned are key to improvement after a stroke and a physical therapist can assist with helping you do this.

[Related article: What To Expect At Physical Therapy]

There is no cure for a stroke, but physical therapy can help you regain as much independence as is possible, maintain dignity and improve the quality of your life. Your physical therapist can help you to find new ways to deal with the physical challenges you or a loved one may face as a result of a stroke.

If you or a loved one has suffered a stroke, you may be able to make a full recovery with the assistance of a physical therapist. To find out your options and to find out how physical therapy can help you or a loved one improve the quality of life after a stroke, contact us today.