Physical Therapy After a Stroke
We specialize in treating disabilities related to movement and sensory impairments after a stroke. Our team is trained in all aspects of anatomy and physiology related to normal function, with an emphasis on movement.
We Help Stoke Patients Recover Their Function
We will perform a thorough assessment of the stroke survivor's:
- Strength,
- Endurance,
- Range of motion,
- Walking abnormalities, and
- Sensory deficits.
We will then design and individualized rehabilitation programs aimed at regaining control over moment and to regain any balance deficits.
Recovering Balance, Walking Skills, and the Use of an Impaired Arm or Leg
Stroke survivors tend to avoid using impaired limbs, a behavior called learned non-use. However, the repetitive use of impaired limbs encourages brain plasticity and helps reduce disabilities.
Our physical therapists help survivors regain the use of stroke-impaired limbs teach compensatory strategies to reduce the effect of remaining deficits and establish ongoing exercise programs to help people retain their newly learned skills.
Strategies used by physical therapists to encourage the use of impaired limbs include:
- Selective sensory stimulation such as tapping or stroking,
- Active and passive range-of-motion exercises,
- The proper use of assistive devices such as walkers and wheelchairs, and
- Temporary restraint of healthy limbs while practicing motor tasks.
In general, physical therapy emphasizes practicing isolated movements, repeatedly changing from one kind of movement to another, and rehearsing complex movements that require a great deal of coordination and balance, such as walking up or down stairs or moving safely between obstacles.
Gamification of Stroke Rehabilitation
A recent trend in physical therapy emphasizes the effectiveness of engaging in goal-directed activities, such as playing games, to promote coordination. We often employ selective sensory stimulation to encourage use of impaired limbs and to help survivors with neglect regain awareness of stimuli on the neglected side of the body.
