
Stroke is one of the major causes of disability in adults. Canadian physiotherapists play a key role in the rehabilitation of people who have had a stroke, helping them return to their highest possible level of physical mobility. A stroke causes damage to specific parts of the brain either from the interruption of the flow of blood to the brain (an ischemic stroke) or the rupture of blood vessels in the brain (a hemorrhagic stroke). The brain cells in the affected area may cease to function, which may result in the loss of movement, sensation and/or thought processes, including speech.
Learn to recognize the warning signs of a stroke:
People who think they are experiencing symptoms of a stroke should seek medical attention immediately. Early intervention may reduce the long term effects of stroke.
After receiving medical attention for a stroke, the patient will ideally begin a rehabilitation treatment program with a physiotherapist as soon as possible while in-hospital. In fact, physicians may refer their patient to a physiotherapist for treatment within 48 hours of having a stroke if they are medically stable. Some people recover from the effects of stroke within days, but for most, improvement will be seen gradually over time throughout the rehabilitation period.
Most recovery of function occurs in the first three months following the stroke. With guidance, most individuals can continue to improve their performance of functional tasks and aerobic capacity for at least one year after the stroke. The recovery process then slows down but may continue for an extended period of time after that. After discharge from hospital, a rehabilitation program may continue through home care physiotherapy or an out-patient physiotherapy clinic.
Physiotherapists are specifically trained to assess movement difficulties and / or sensory loss that may occur as a result of a stroke. Through movement re-education, the physiotherapist works to retrain mobility and functional activities such as standing up from sitting, walking and using the affected arm. Specifically, physiotherapists focus on:
Physiotherapists recommend the following tips for reducing your risk of stroke: