Physical Therapy After a Stroke

After a stroke, some people experience physical changes or problems. Physical therapy may be prescribed to help you recover and overcome problems such as:

• Inability to move (paralysis) or weakness, typically affecting one side of the body.
• Trouble with balance.
• Pain, a pins and needles sensation, or numbness in certain parts of the body. You may also have difficulty feeling touch, pressure, or changes in temperature.
• Involuntary muscle tightening (spasticity).
• Stiffness in muscles and joints.
• Altered coordination and reflexes.

What causes physical disability after a stroke?

A stroke can damage parts of your brain that control your body’s normal functions, including your ability to move and to keep your balance.

The types of physical problems you have will depend on how severe the stroke was and where it was located in the brain. Weakness or paralysis may affect just your fingers and hands, a whole leg or arm, or an entire side of your body.

What is physical therapy?

Physical therapy involves using exercises, stretches, and activities to help you regain movement and independence after your stroke. Physical therapy may focus on one or more of the following:

• Range of motion. This can help with movement and reduce muscle stiffness.
• Balance. This helps to lower your risk of falling.
• Position changes or transfers, such as moving from sitting to standing or from a chair to a bed.
• Coordination, such as getting an object from a shelf.
• Muscle strength. Muscles may be strengthened with weights or by repeating certain motions.
• Functional mobility. This may include stair training or learning how to use a wheelchair, walker, or cane.
• Walking (gait training).
• Activities of daily living, such as getting out of the car or buttoning a shirt.

Why is physical therapy important?

It is important to do exercises and follow your rehabilitation plan as told by your physical therapist. Physical therapy can:

• Help you regain independence.
• Prevent injury from falls by building strength and balance.
• Lower your risk of blood clots.
• Lower your risk of skin sores (pressure injuries).
• Increase physical activity and exercise. This may help lower your risk for another stroke.
• Help reduce pain.

When will therapy start and where will I have therapy?

Your health care provider will decide when it is best for you to start therapy. In some cases, people start rehabilitation, including physical therapy, as soon as they are medically stable, which may be 24–48 hours after a stroke.

Rehabilitation can take place in a few different places, based on your needs. It may take place in:

• The hospital or an in-patient rehabilitation hospital.
• An outpatient rehabilitation facility.
• A long-term care facility.
• A community rehabilitation clinic.
• Your home.

What are assistive devices?

Assistive devices are tools to help you move, maintain balance, and manage daily tasks while recovering from a stroke. Your physical therapist may recommend and help you learn to use:

• Equipment to help you move, such as wheelchairs, canes, or walkers.
• Braces or splints to keep your arms, hands, legs, or feet in a comfortable and safe position.
• Bathtub benches or grab bars to keep you safe in the bathroom.
• Special utensils, bowls, and plates that allow you to eat with one hand.

It is important to use these devices as told by your health care provider.

Summary

• After a stroke, some people may experience physical disabilities, such as weakness or paralysis, pain, or balance problems.
• Physical therapy involves exercises, stretches, and activities that help to improve your ability to move and to handle daily tasks.
• Physical therapy exercises focus on restoring range of motion, balance, coordination, muscle strength, and the ability to move (mobility).
• Physical therapy can help you regain independence, prevent falls, and allow you to live a more active lifestyle after a stroke.