Posted on May 31, 2023

Having a stroke is a life changing event. It affects your life and the lives of the people around you. The extent of your recovery will depend on you and the things you do after your stroke. Following the initial phase of the shock of having a stroke, it is very important that the patient starts focusing on the recovery process and the things the patient can do actively. Like what I tell my patient, the few months after their stroke is very critical in the recovery process. How much they get back functionally will be determined by how they actively participate in therapy. Being an active participant in their recovery is very important. They have to tell their therapist what is important for them and what they want to achieve in therapy. My patients have goals that are as simple as being to be able to walk again or to be able to move their arms again. It is what is important to them. Staying active and participating in physical therapy are the key ingredients to stroke recovery.

How Physical Therapy Can Help with Stroke recovery.

Physical therapists are experts in assessing and treating stroke patients, making them an invaluable resource in the stroke recovery process. At Hech PT, our experienced physical therapists provide personalized stroke treatment programs to help stroke patients with their goals. Here are some ways physical therapy can help with stroke recovery:

Comprehensive Assessments

Before beginning a stroke rehabilitation program, a physical therapist will conduct a thorough assessment to identify any weakness and underlying issues that will impair the recovery process. This may include evaluating muscle strength, flexibility, range of motion, and sensory function. Based on the findings, the therapist will develop a customized treatment plan to address these issues.

Targeted Exercises

Physical therapists are skilled in selecting and implementing exercises that help stroke patients. They can provide a variety of exercises designed to improve balance, coordination, and strength.

Gait Training

Gait training is an essential component of stroke rehabiliation, as it focuses on reeducating the patient on how to walk again and minimizing the risk of falls. A physical therapist can analyze a patient’s gait and provide recommendations for improving their walking mechanics, such as proper foot placement and stride length.

Assistive Devices

In some cases, patient’s may benefit from using assistive devices, such as canes or walkers, to improve their balance and gait stability. Physical therapists can help patients choose the appropriate device and teach them how to use it safely and effectively.

Home Exercise Programs

Physical therapy doesn't end after our treatments. Our therapists at Hech PT provide home exercise programs designed to reinforce the skills and exercises learned during therapy sessions. This ensures that patients continue to make progress and maintain their functional improvements.

Related article for further reading:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/increasing-physical-activity-key-to-improved-post-stroke-recovery-study