Nine Benefits of Physical Therapy for People With Stroke

Each year, nearly 800,000 people in the United States experience a stroke. A stroke is a serious brain injury that can cause long-term disability. In fact, about two-thirds of stroke survivors will need some form of physical or other therapy to help them recover.

A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted or blocked, which damages the brain cells in the affected area. When brain cells are damaged, it can disrupt the connections between the brain and the rest of the body, leading to a loss of function. The symptoms and effects of a stroke depend on where in the brain the damage happens. Common problems stroke survivors might experience include:

• Paralysis on one or both sides of the body: This is one of the most common symptoms, and it can make it difficult for the person to move their limbs.

• Loss of feeling in parts of the body: Stroke can cause numbness or a loss of sensation in the affected areas.

• Muscle weakness: Stroke can weaken muscles, making it harder to do things like lifting objects or walking.

• Balance and walking issues: A stroke may affect a person’s ability to walk safely and maintain their balance, increasing the risk of falls.

• Speech impairment: A stroke may make it hard to speak clearly or understand others.

• Difficulty with certain movements: Stroke survivors might have trouble performing everyday tasks like brushing their teeth or getting dressed.

• Cognitive issues: Stroke can affect thinking, problem-solving, memory, and even emotions, making it difficult to concentrate or control moods.

This is where physical therapists come in. Physical therapy is an important part of recovery after a stroke. It helps the body heal, rebuild strength, and relearn how to do movements that may have been affected. Physical therapists are specially trained to help people recover from brain damage and other issues caused by stroke. They work closely with survivors to create personalized treatment plans that target specific symptoms and needs.

How Physical Therapy Helps Stroke Survivors

Physical therapy is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Since a stroke affects each person differently, the therapy plan will depend on the size and location of the stroke, as well as the specific problems the person is facing. The long-term goal of physical therapy is to help the brain recover and retrain the muscles to move. This can help stroke survivors regain their independence and improve their ability to do daily activities.

A physical therapist can help you in many ways:

1. Recover from brain damage and muscle loss: Stroke can cause a loss of function and muscle strength. Physical therapy helps rebuild strength and restore movement, which can reduce the impact of paralysis and weakness. The therapist will use a variety of techniques to stimulate the damaged areas of the brain and muscles, encouraging recovery.

2. Stimulate damaged nerves and muscles: Physical therapists use exercises and movements to "wake up" damaged nerves and muscles, helping them function again. Repetitive motion and task-specific training help the brain form new neural connections, a process known as neuroplasticity, which is key to recovery.

3. Reduce stiffness and improve circulation: After a stroke, muscles can become stiff, making movement harder. Physical therapy helps reduce this stiffness through stretching and strengthening exercises. It also helps maintain circulation to affected muscles and nerves, which is important for preventing further damage and promoting healing.

4. Relearn movements and activities: Physical therapy helps stroke survivors relearn basic movements like walking, reaching, or sitting up. Therapists break down tasks into smaller steps, teaching patients how to do each step until they can complete the task on their own. For example, someone who has trouble walking may start with small steps, using support or assistive devices, and gradually work up to walking without help.

5. Regain independence: One of the most important goals of therapy is to help stroke survivors regain their independence. This means getting back to daily activities like bathing, dressing, cooking, and working. The physical therapist will focus on functional tasks, like getting in and out of a chair or walking to the kitchen, helping patients build the skills they need to live their lives as independently as possible.

6. Learn new ways to move: Sometimes, a stroke causes lasting side effects like weakness or balance problems. In these cases, a physical therapist will teach the person how to move in new ways to work around these challenges. For example, if a person has weakness on one side of the body, the therapist might help them learn how to use the stronger side more effectively.

7. Rebuild mobility and strength: Stroke often leads to a loss of mobility and physical strength. Physical therapy works to rebuild strength in the muscles and improve the person’s ability to move. Over time, this helps improve balance, coordination, and the ability to perform tasks that require movement.

8. Prevent muscle loss: Without regular movement, muscles can shrink or become weaker. Physical therapy helps prevent this by encouraging regular exercise and movement to keep the muscles strong and active. This is especially important for stroke survivors, who may be less mobile in the early stages of recovery.

9. Recover better and faster: Physical therapy speeds up recovery by encouraging the brain and body to work together again. The more the person practices movements and exercises, the faster they will regain strength, mobility, and function. Early intervention and consistent therapy can make a big difference in the recovery process.

The Importance of Physical Therapy After a Stroke

The road to recovery after a stroke can be challenging, but physical therapy plays a huge role in helping people recover faster and more effectively. By working closely with a physical therapist, stroke survivors can regain function, improve their quality of life, and increase their independence. Physical therapy helps the brain heal, muscles grow stronger, and daily activities become possible again.

If you or someone you know has experienced a stroke, physical therapy is one of the best ways to support recovery. It may take time and effort, but with the right help and dedication, stroke survivors can recover better, stronger, and more independent than ever before.

Call our office at 315-810-2423 or email us at info@brainbodybetter.com with questions and to get set up to meet with a physical therapists at Engage Therapy and Wellness.