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Did you know, 1 in 4 people will have a stroke in their lifetime?
If you’ve experienced a stroke, you might have weakness or paralysis on one side of your body. You might struggle to move as you used to, and you might find it difficult to perform day-to-day tasks. Physiotherapy after a stroke aims to help you regain control over your body. Our focus is to empower you to move, ensuring you can navigate your surroundings and perform everyday tasks with confidence. The physiotherapists at Valens Care are here to support you through your recovery and beyond. We understand the unique challenges of recovering from a stroke and we’re committed to working with you to regain as much strength, mobility and independence as possible.
What is a stroke?
A stroke happens when the blood supply to a certain area of your brain reduces suddenly, usually due to either a blood clot or a bleed. Without blood flow, your brain can’t get the oxygen and nutrients it needs. This causes your brain cells to die and the affected area of your brain may suffer permanent damage.
For most people, a stroke affects their movement, typically down one side of their body. Your vision, speech, memory, thinking and balance may also be affected.
At Valens Care, we have extensive experience in providing care to individuals after strokes. We address common challenges associated with stroke recovery, such as:
- Muscle weakness in arms or legs
- Tight muscles
- Shoulder pain
- Nerve pain
- Headaches
- Swallowing difficulties
- Altered sensations
- Cognitive issues
- Bowel and bladder control issues
- Fatigue
How physiotherapy helps stroke patients
Your stroke recovery will involve a combined effort from a team of healthcare professionals.
Physiotherapy begins soon after your stroke and may continue for months or even years as you progressively regain balance, strength, range of motion, sensation, endurance and coordination.
The goal of physiotherapy for stroke recovery is to increase your ability to carry out everyday activities like standing, walking, sitting and using your arms.
Your physiotherapist will work closely with you to create a personalised treatment plan catered to your specific needs. Your individually tailored plan will account for the severity of your stroke and how it’s affected your functioning to address the unique challenges you face and maximise your potential for recovery.
What does physiotherapy treatment for stroke involve?
In the early stages, physiotherapy treatment will focus on reducing your risk of developing complications and supporting your initial recovery. Later, physiotherapy involves helping you do the things that are important to you like getting yourself out of bed, dressing yourself or playing the sport you love.
Your treatment may involve:
Regaining your arm function
Your physiotherapist may give you exercises to help you relearn how to move your arm as well as increase strength. This could involve repetitive practice activities, electrical stimulation or movement therapies.
Recovery of walking
Most people are very keen to get up and walking again following a stroke. Physiotherapy after a stroke involves techniques and exercises to support you in regaining your ability to walk. Your physio may also make recommendations for assistive aids like a walking stick or a frame when needed.
Improve balance
Following a stroke, your risk of falling is increased due to the effects on your balance. Using exercises and targeted training your physiotherapists will work with you to improve your balance and stability. This may include core and leg strengthening exercises and walking training with balance challenges like obstacles.
Reduce spasticity
If your muscle tone is increased after your stroke, your muscles may feel tight or stiff. This is called spasticity and can cause pain and deformities, like hand clawing. Your physio will use targeted exercises, massage and stretches aiming to help you reduce pain and relax tight muscles.
The Valens Care difference
At Valens Care, we’re experienced in providing physiotherapy after a stroke. We understand the challenges that stroke recovery brings, and we’re committed to supporting you throughout your rehabilitation.
Our NDIS-registered, mobile physiotherapy service offers personalised care right to your door, the gym, the park or the pool, it’s your choice. We’ll work with you to help you regain your strength, mobility, and independence in a way that’s as comfortable and as convenient for you as possible.
Talk to the Valens Care team
If you or someone you love has had a stroke, contact the Valens Care team to learn how we can support you on your stroke recovery journey.