Stroke Patients: Reasons Why You Need to Consider Physiotherapy
A fatal disease that ranks third among the leading causes of death in Canada, stroke is a sudden impairment of brain function as a result of a blockage or rupture in the brain blood vessel. When blood flow is interrupted, the brain stops receiving enough supply of oxygen and nutrients that it needs to perform crucial brain functions. Stroke can result in complete or partial paralysis (hemiplegia) which makes it impossible for a patient to move their limbs, loss of balance and coordination, and difficulty speaking.
Together with medicines, physiotherapy in Oriole Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation Centre is necessary for stroke-stricken patients to completely heal from their condition. A patient-focused physical therapy program uses techniques like exercise, massage, and skills treatment to help individuals learn to use both sides of their bodies again and recover their strength and movement.
Here are reasons why physiotherapy is essential in helping stroke patients achieve complete recovery:
1. It helps the brain recover from damage and loss of muscle function.
Once oxygen is restored after stroke, the brain embarks on the process of healing from damage while the body recovers from the loss of muscle function. Physical therapy is an essential aspect of the recovery phase. Ideally, the therapy should begin 24 hours after stroke. Therapy stimulates the affected nerves and muscles to prevent stiffness and maintain blood circulation. A physical recovery plan usually includes exercise, relearning basic muscle movements, electrical treatment, and manipulation.
2. It improves mobility.
Physiotherapy can help stroke patients relearn or improve their basic bodily movements like standing, walking, or moving. This is done through a set of stretching and strengthening exercises. Therapists will also provide assistive devices like crutches and a cane to ensure maximum mobility and safety. They will design a plan that assists patients to achieve goals and regain normal movement in a safe and controlled environment.
3. Physiotherapy improves balance.
Part of physical therapy is screening a patient’s fall risk. An individual who’s at a high risk of falls will go through exercise routines that challenge their balance (safely and carefully) to imitate actual situations. Therapists will also help patients improve their coordination and provide them with assistive devices when needed.
4. Physiotherapy provides avenues for emotional support.
Patients who undergo home physiotherapy receive stronger emotional support from their therapist. They are able to bring their problems and concerns out in the open. Being able to communicate your emotions is an important step towards healing and recovery.
5. Therapy fosters family involvement.
Physiotherapy also brings patients and their loved ones together. Home-based therapy allows patients to stay in touch with their family members throughout the duration of the treatment. Patients don’t feel isolated during the healing process in the presence of their family. In fact, this boosts their confidence, leading to a speedy recovery.
6. It reduces the risk of stroke recurrence.
Therapists will recommend physical activities in the daily routines of stroke survivors to minimize the risk of another stroke and promote long-term rehabilitation. Physiotherapists provide circuit training and other exercises that reinforce strength, balance, and coordination to help patients become fully adjusted to daily activities and reintegrate them to their community through fixbodygroup.com.
Physiotherapy in Scarborough West is a vital component in ushering stroke patients to total recovery and helping them return to their regular routine. A tailored therapy program that is in line with a clear set of goals is something that only professional physiotherapists do. The progress of a patient’s recovery is reliant on the program, so it’s best to seek the help of the experts to guide you throughout the process.