What is Stroke?

A stroke is a blockage in the blood supply to the brain. This can cause some brain cells to die. Depending on the area of the brain and what those cells do, there will be different effects. After a stroke, there may be loss of movement on one side effecting the arm, trunk, and leg (hemiplegia). There may be loss of feeling (sensation). A stroke victim may also have some intellectual impairment; memory, concentration, planning and problem solving. Speech can be affected, and also vision.

How can Physiotherapy help?

Physiotherapy can assist with stroke rehabilitation by helping re-educate balance and walking and with the recovery of paralysed muscles. It can assist in restoring arm and hand function. Physiotherapy can enable stroke survivors to gain some post-stroke independence in activities of daily living, sport and leisure, work and vocation.

Can Physiotherapy help me with my walking?

If you are wheelchair dependent following a stroke, a thorough physiotherapy assessment might reveal difficulties that can be improved upon. Many stroke patients leave hospital with little or no walking ability, but through physical therapy for strokes, many often gain the ability to walk not only short distances within the home, but also outside. Some stroke recovery patients are able to walk but are limited in distance and are at risk of tripping due to foot dragging (known as Foot Drop). Physiotherapy and therapeutic exercises can strengthen weak muscles and assist in reducing trips.

Can Physiotherapy help me with my hand function?

A common problem following stroke is a tight hand that the stroke survivor is unable to open once it has grasped an object. Physiotherapy can help with this spasticity by relaxing the tight muscles that close the hand and strengthen the muscles required to open the hand.

How can PhysioFunction help me?

The physiotherapists at PhysioFunction are very experienced in the rehabilitation of stroke survivors. Our physiotherapists are able to devote the time required to address the problems associated with strokes and motor recovery. We can use a wide range of therapies, including, hands-on therapy, technology and mirror therapy. PhysioFunction specialises in stroke therapy and in the treatment of many of the symptoms associated with stroke such as foot drop, poor balance, spasms, arm disability, shoulder pain, and one-sided paralysis. We use the latest rehabilitation technology to speed up recovery, many of which are not provided through the NHS. We are experienced in helping clients make improvements long after, and in many cases, many years after their initial illness.

I think PhysioFunction can help me, what do I do now?

Please call the free phone number for your appropriate area for a free telephone consultation. This phone call could be the start of a new life for you after your stroke. Click here to see our locations and contact numbers.

The role of Physiotherapy after stroke

Physiotherapy and movement therapy for stroke survivors can assist with recovering after a stroke. It can help with impaired or even lost physical functions, for example:

• Balance
• Hand & arm function
• Leg & foot function
• Walking
• Spasticity
• Spasm
• Pain
• Posture management

Walking problems following stroke?

Impaired due to:

• Muscle weakness
• Poor balance
• Poor sensation

Stroke Physiotherapy helps through:

• Re-education
• Walking aids
• Splints & Orthoses

A neurologist says that if he can get to a stroke victim within 3 hours he can totally reverse the effects of a stroke…totally. He said the trick was getting a stroke recognised, diagnosed, and then getting the patient medically cared for within 3 hours, which is tough.

INFORMATION EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW……………………

Blood Clots/Stroke - They Now Have a Fourth Indicator, the Tongue - Please read:

STROKE IDENTIFICATION:

During a BBQ, a friend stumbled and took a little fall - she assured everyone that she was fine (they offered to call paramedics). She said she had just tripped over a brick because of her new shoes.

They got her cleaned up and got her a new plate of food. While she appeared a bit shaken up, Ingrid went about enjoying herself the rest of the evening.

Ingrid’s husband called later telling everyone that his wife had been taken to the hospital - (at 6:00 pm Ingrid passed away). She had suffered a stroke at the BBQ. Had they known how to identify the signs of a stroke, perhaps Ingrid would be with us today. Some don’t die. They end up in a helpless, hopeless condition instead.

RECOGNISING A STROKE

There are 3 simple steps to remember.....S.T.R. Now doctors say a bystander can recognise a stroke by asking three simple questions:
S *Ask the individual to SMILE.
T *Ask the person to TALK and SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Coherently) i.e. It is sunny out today.
R *Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.

If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call emergency number immediately and describe the symptoms to the operator.

New Sign of a Stroke ——– Stick out Your Tongue
Another ’sign’ of a stroke: Ask the person to ’stick’ out his tongue. If the tongue is ‘crooked’, if it goes to one side or the other, that is also an indication of a stroke