What is Rehabilitation After a Stroke

Rehabilitation After a Stroke includes a variety of treatments to help you recover and promote your independence after a stroke.

A stroke causes damage to the brain cells, which can affect your ability to walk, talk, or remember things. The impact of a stroke is different for everyone, and so is recovery.

Some people have progress during the first few days after treatment. Others may take weeks or longer to make progress. You may not be able do everything that you did before the stroke, but you can learn ways to manage your lifestyle and be as independent as possible.

Rehabilitation will start as soon as you are able to participate after your stroke, and it involves care from a team that may include:

• Family and friends. Your loved ones know you best and can be very helpful in your recovery.
• Physicians.
• Nurses.
• Physical and occupational therapists.
• Speech-language therapists.
• A nutritionist.
• A psychologist.
• A social worker.

Keep open communication with all members of your care team. Share your medical records if needed, and take notes about each provider’s recommendations.

What is physical therapy?

Physical therapists (PTs) help you to improve your coordination, balance, and muscle strength. Physical therapy may involve:

• Range of motion exercises.
• Help to move between lying, sitting, and standing positions.
• Walking with a cane or walker, if needed.
• Help using stairs.

What is occupational therapy?

Occupational therapists (OTs) help you rebuild your ability to do everyday tasks, such as brushing your teeth, going to the bathroom, eating, and getting dressed. Occupational therapy may also help with:

• Vision. Visual scanning is a technique that is used to prevent falls.
• Memory and cognitive training. This therapy includes problem-solving techniques and relearning tasks like making a phone call.
• Fine muscle movements such as buttoning a shirt or picking up small objects.

What is speech therapy?

Speech-language therapists help you communicate. After a stroke, you may have problems understanding what people are saying, or you may have trouble writing, speaking, or finding the right word for what you want to say. You may also need speech therapy if you have difficulty swallowing while eating and drinking. Examples of speech-language therapies include:

• Techniques to strengthen muscles used in swallowing.
• Naming objects or describing pictures. This helps retrain the brain to recognize and remember words.
• Exercises to strengthen the muscles involved in talking, including your tongue and lips.
• Exercises to retrain your brain in understanding what you read and hear.

How often will I need therapy?

Therapy will begin as soon as you are able to participate, which is often within the first few days after a stroke. Sessions will be frequent at first. For example, you may have therapy 2–3 hours a day on most days of the week during the first few months. The intensity depends on the type and severity of your stroke. You may need therapy for several months. Therapy may take place in the hospital, at a rehabilitation center, or in your home.

Are there any side effects of therapy?

Therapy is safe and is usually well-tolerated. You may feel physically and mentally tired after therapy, especially during the first few weeks. Rest before therapy sessions if you need to so you can get the most out of your rehabilitation.

Follow these instructions at home:

• Involve your family and friends in your recovery, if possible. Having another person to encourage you is beneficial.
• Follow instructions from your speech-language therapist, nutritionist, or health care provider about what you can safely eat and drink. Eat healthy foods. If your ability to swallow was affected by the stroke, you may need to take steps to avoid choking, such as:
  • Taking small bites when eating.
  • Eating foods that are soft or pureed.
  • Drinking liquids that have been thickened.
• Maintain social connections and interactions with friends, family, and community groups. This is an important part of your recovery. Communication challenges and physical challenges may cause you to feel isolated after a stroke.
• Consider joining a support group that allows you to talk about the impact of stroke on your life. A psychologist or counselor may be recommended. Your emotional recovery from stroke is just as important as your physical recovery.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care providers. This is important.

Summary

• Stroke rehabilitation includes a variety of treatments to help you recover and promote your independence after a stroke.
• Rehabilitation will start as soon as you are able to participate after your stroke, and it includes care from a team of experts.
• The intensity of therapy depends on the type and severity of your stroke. You may need therapy for several months.