stroke rehab
A stroke, also known as a cerebrovascular accident, is defined as an episode of neurological dysfunction caused by reduced blood flow to the brain (ischemic stroke) or bleeding in the brain (hemorrhagic stroke). This results in damage to the cells in the brain and resultant functional impairments.
Stroke recover is a journey that extends beyond your inpatient stay to your transition back home and into the community. The Canadian Stroke Best Practices guideline recommends commencing rehabilitation in the community or outpatient discharge, to optimize recovery.
While the greatest recovery occurs within the first 3 months post-stroke, functional improvements can continue for months up to years with customized rehabilitation. This recovery can be attributed to neuroplasticity.
What does physiotherapy for stroke rehab include?
Stroke rehabilitation will be tailored to your specific goals and abilities and may include the following:
- Range of motion, stretching and gentle mobilization techniques
- Strengthening exercises
- Balance training: trunk training/seated balance, standing and/or dynamic balance
- Mobility and transfer training
- Gait training: overground gait training and/or treadmill-based gait training to improve walking speed
- Cardiovascular and endurance training
- Falls prevention and management
- Pain management
