The Benefits of Physical Therapy After Stroke

Stroke is a serious medical condition that occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted, causing brain cells to die^1,2. Stroke can cause a variety of symptoms like weakness, paralysis, speech difficulties, memory loss, cognitive problems, and emotional changes^1,2.

Physical therapy is an important part of recovery from a stroke that aims to help stroke survivors regain their functional mobility and independence. Physical therapy helps stroke survivors stimulate damaged nerves and muscles, promote circulation to affected areas of the brain to promote healing, learn to move and use their affected body parts as much as possible, regain mobility and strength, as well as to prevent or reduce complications such as muscle stiffness, spasticity, pain and falls^1,2,3,4.

PHYSICAL THERAPY AFTER STROKE 

Physical therapy usually begins as soon as possible after the stroke, ideally within two days^3,4,5,6. The duration and intensity of physical therapy depend on the severity and type of stroke, the medical status of the patient, as well as the individual’s goals and needs.

Stroke recovery does not just involve a physical therapist. It takes a team of professionals, including a physiatrist (a physician who specializes in rehabilitation), a neurologist (a physician who specializes in brain and nervous system disorders), nurses, an occupational therapist, a speech-language pathologist, a dietician, a social worker, a neuropsychologist, and a case manager^4,5.

The physical therapist will assess strength, balance, coordination, range of motion, sensation, pain, and functional abilities¹. Based on the assessment and the individual’s goals, the physical therapist will design a personalized treatment plan that may include interventions like:

• Exercises to improve muscle strength, endurance, and flexibility^1,3,4,7
• Activities to improve balance, posture, gait, and mobility^{1,2,3,4,5,6,7}
• Training to use assistive devices such as walkers, canes, or wheelchairs^1,3
• Education on how to prevent falls and injuries
• Manual therapy to relieve pain and spasm
• Electrical stimulation to activate muscles and nerves^2,4,7
• Biofeedback to enhance awareness and control of muscle activity^2,7
• Hydrotherapy utilizes water resistance and buoyancy for exercise^2,7
• Constraint-induced movement therapy encourages the use of the affected limb by restricting the unaffected one^2,4,7
• Mirror therapy uses visual feedback to stimulate the movement of the affected limb⁷

Physical therapy after a stroke can take place in different settings and usually starts in a hospital^4,5. The patient may then move through a subacute care unit and/or an inpatient rehabilitation unit before being discharged home^4,5,6. The person will then usually receive home health therapy or continue treatment in an outpatient clinic depending on their level of function and needs^4,5,6. The physical therapist will work closely with the stroke survivor and their family to determine the best path for their rehabilitation and to ensure continuity of care.

THE BENEFITS OF PHYSICAL THERAPY AFTER STROKE

• Physical therapy has lots of benefits for stroke survivors, such as:
  • Improving functional mobility and independence¹
  • Enhancing quality of life and well-being
  • Reducing disability and dependence on others
  • Increasing self-confidence and motivation
  • Preventing or minimizing complications such as contractures, pressure sores, or infections⁷
  • Reducing the risk of recurrent stroke or other cardiovascular events

Physical therapy after a stroke can also have positive effects on the brain itself. Research has shown that physical activity can stimulate the growth of new brain cells³, the formation of new connections between brain cells, and the growth of new blood vessels in the brain. These physiological processes can help with healing and recovery after a stroke.

Physical therapy after a stroke is not a one-size-fits-all approach. It requires individualized assessment, planning, and evaluation. It also requires active participation and collaboration from stroke survivor, their family, and their caregivers. Stroke recovery is a long-term process that requires patience, perseverance, and dedication.

However, physical therapy can be rewarding and empowering for stroke survivors. It can help them regain their functional mobility and independence, improve their quality of life and well-being, prevent, or reduce complications and make the most of their recovery. If you or a loved one is looking for physical therapy services that come to you, contact us for a free consultation!

References

¹Home PT After Stroke: What to Expect. Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/home-physical-therapy-after-stroke-4587362

²Guide | Physical Therapy Guide to Stroke. Choose PT. Published August 26, 2021. https://www.choosept.com/guide/physical-therapy-guide-stroke

³Stroke Association. Physiotherapy after a stroke. Stroke Association. Published September 3, 2019. https://www.stroke.org.uk/what-is-stroke/physiotherapy-after-stroke

⁴Mayo Clinic Staff. Stroke rehabilitation: What to expect as you recover. Mayo Clinic. Published 2017. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/stroke/in-depth/stroke-rehabilitation/art-20045172

⁵American stroke association. Rehab Therapy After a Stroke. www.stroke.org. Published 2019. https://www.stroke.org/en/life-after-stroke/stroke-rehab/rehab-therapy-after-a-stroke

⁶Hoffman H. A Simplified Guide To Physical Therapy for Stroke Patients. Saebo. https://www.saebo.com/blog/a-simplified-guide-to-physical-therapy-for-strokes/. Published September 9, 2016.

⁷Physiopedia. Stroke: Physiotherapy Treatment Approaches. Physiopedia. Published 2014. https://www.physio-pedia.com/Stroke:_Physiotherapy_Treatment_Approaches