Beating Ill Health

If you have a stroke you can expect rehabilitation to involve several components and the rehabilitation process can be complex and lengthy. Physiotherapy is one component in the rehabilitation process that can support you to retain your independence and regain your previous levels of mobility. It's often recommended that stroke patients start physiotherapy as early as possible after their stroke diagnosis, as early intervention can lead to better treatment outcomes.

The Impact Of A Stroke On Mobility

After a stroke, you may lose some muscle function and need to relearn some forms of movement. It's relatively common to experience balance problems, joint pain, numbness, heavy limbs and muscle stiffness. You may also experience muscle weakness or some degree of paralysis down one side of your body. These types of post-stroke symptoms can impact on your ability to carry out basic daily tasks, such as cooking, cleaning and personal care. They may also impact on your ability to work and take part in hobbies. Sudden constraints on your mobility can negatively impact your mental health and leave you feeling isolated.  

What To Expect From Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy can take place in hospital while you are an in-patient, at home immediately after discharge from hospital or in the physiotherapist's office. They will aim to gradually build up your mobility at a pace that's right for your individual circumstances. Sessions may be daily at first, but as your rehabilitation progresses you can expect the frequency of appointments to decrease.

Your physiotherapist will assess your range of motion and show you how to do appropriate exercises that are designed to reduce stiffness, improve your balance and increase your range of motion. They can also show you adapted ways to carry out some tasks, such as getting into the bath from a seated position or getting out of bed in manageable stages. You may also be able to access physiotherapist-led group exercise classes to get you moving with other stroke patients.

Your physiotherapist can also recommend suitable mobility aids and home adaptations. For example, you may initially need a hoist to get in and out of bed, and you may benefit from the use of a walking stick or frame while you are building your strength back up. If you can't reach your arms above your head, handheld grabbers may be useful for getting items out of kitchen cupboards.

Physiotherapy is widely accepted as being greatly beneficial to those who've suffered a stroke. If you think physiotherapy would benefit you, schedule an initial assessment with a physiotherapist as soon as possible.

Contact a physiotherapy clinic near you to learn more.