Physical Therapy for Stroke Rehabilitation
What is a stroke?

A stroke (known as a cerebrovascular accident) when there is a decreased flow of blood to the brain from either a blockage in the blood vessels that supply the brain (ischemic stroke), or a bleed from the blood vessels that supply the brain (hemorrhagic stroke). When the blood flow to the brain is blocked it prevents the brain from getting the needed oxygen and nutrients to function. Without oxygen the brain cells can be permanently damaged or die and the physical and mental functions related to that area of the brain will be affected. A stroke is a medical emergency and rapid treatment is crucial to decreasing the damage caused by a stroke.

Signs and symptoms

Because a stroke disrupts the blood supply to the brain, many functions of the brain are immediately affected and are considered classic signs of a stroke in progress. These include:
  • sudden slurred or incoherent speech
  • sudden numbness or tingling in the face, arm or leg, or one side of the body
  • inability to raise one arm in comparison to the other arm
  • inability to smile on one side
  • sudden slouching to one side in sitting
  • drooping eye or mouth on one side
  • sudden loss of mental capacity
  • sudden severe headache
  • sudden blurred or disturbed vision of one or both eyes
  • sudden decrease or loss of consciousness
  • sudden balance problems in sitting or walking
How Can Physical Therapy help?

"Physical therapists are part of the stroke recovery team. Physical therapy begins very soon after a stroke, most often while you are still in the hospital. Your physical therapist’s main goal is to help you return to your activities at home, at work, and in your community.

Treatment for people with stroke varies. Your specific treatment will depend on the results of your physical therapist's evaluation and on how long it's been since your stroke. Recovery from a stroke depends on:
  • The size and location of your stroke.
  • How quickly you received care.
  • The severity of the brain damage at the time of your stroke.
  • Your other health conditions.
Your physical therapist will help you regain functional skills to allow you to take part in your specific life activities."
FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers
| 724-481-1141 | email: butler@fyzical.com | www.fyzical.com/butler