Strokes and Paralysis

Strokes and Paralysis

In Stroke Physical Therapy plays an important role in the process of rehabilitation. As a part of the interdisciplinary team, physiotherapists work in concert with the managing doctor and other rehabilitation specialists to provide stroke patients with a comprehensive rehabilitation program. The stroke physical therapy rehabilitation program involves a dynamic process of assessment, goal-setting, treatment and evaluation; its coverage spans from the acute stage, through the rehabilitation stage, to the community stage.

The whole rehabilitation program is predicated on two general components. The first includes preventive measure targeted at maintaining physical integrity and minimizing complications that will prevent or prolong functional return. These measures should begin immediately post stroke and continue as long as necessary. The second component is restorative treatment aimed at promoting functional recovery. This phase should begin as soon as the patient is medically and neurologically stable and has the cognitive and physical ability to participate actively in a rehabilitation program. In brief, the aims of physical therapy interventions are to promote motor recovery, optimize sensory functions, enhance functional independence, and prevent secondary complications.