Stroke is a neurological disease that is getting quite common due to the advancements in the lifestyle of humans. Every year, millions of people end up being paralyzed or losing their lives to it. So, let us understand in a better way what stroke is and how you can keep your body healthy post-stroke with physical therapy.
What is a stroke?
A stroke, also known as Cerebro Vascular Accident (CVA), is a medical condition in which the brain cells die due to poor blood flow. This usually happens when a blood vessel in the brain is blocked (Ischemic) or ruptured (Hemorrhagic). Stroke can happen to anyone at any time, regardless of age and other factors.
Symptoms of stroke
The very common symptoms of stroke that you shouldn’t neglect in any case are-
- Sudden numbness or weakness in the arms, legs or one side of the body
- Trouble in speaking or understanding
- Dizziness and unclear vision
- Severe headache
- Confusion and imbalance
Purpose of post-stroke physical therapy
Stroke is a recognized factor that can often lead to long term disability. But it does not necessarily have to last for a lifetime. The early stages of post-stroke rehabilitation essentially include physical therapy which aids greatly in the recovery of patients. A stroke usually breaks the vital connections between the brain and the muscles due to which people tend to lose the functionality of body parts and get paralyzed. Physical therapy ensures that the muscles of the stroke survivors are toned and stimulated so that their body does not get jammed. So, it is important to have proper sessions with physical therapy top rated clinics to ensure a better and faster recovery.
Benefits of post-stroke physical therapy
Exercise is very important to recover from any bodily trauma. But due to the loss of muscle function, body imbalance and weakness, exercising after a stroke becomes very difficult. This is when physical therapy comes in. The brain cells lost during a stroke cannot be regenerated. Thus, physical therapy helps the reorganization of the remaining brain cells to compensate for the loss and stimulate the pinched nerves and muscles to maintain circulation and prevent stiffness.
The entire physical recovery plan usually includes exercise, massage, learning new skills, electric treatment and manipulation. The time to be spent on each of them will be determined by your doctor.
Since physical therapy forms an important part of keeping your body working post-stroke, make sure that you look for good physical therapy clinics and doctors near you and choose wisely. The therapist will most likely give you an individual diet and exercise plan. Follow it at all costs. Do not miss your physiotherapy appointments as a single day that is skipped can cause problems to your body afterward. Stay healthy and safe!
