Physical Therapy for Stroke Victims | Peak Physical Therapy | Quincy MA

Stroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. It is the number one cause of serious disability for adults in the United States and can have devastating effects on the victim, and their loved ones. While a stroke can cause long-term or permanent disabilities, most cases can back some mobility and movement with the help of physical therapy. In fact, rehabilitation is especially crucial during the early stages of recovery, when patients have little to no control over their affected muscles. No matter where you are in your journey toward recovery, your long-term progress will depend on a consistent physical therapy regimen set in place by Peak Physical Therapy Quincy MA. Learn why physical therapy is so helpful for stroke survivors with this article.

What Is Stroke?

Stroke is the term for when a blood vessel in the brain is blocked or ruptures, leading to an area of the brain not receiving enough oxygen. This oxygen depletion results in millions of brain cells being lost each minute, which increases the risk of brain damage, disability, or even death. There are two types of strokes:

• The most common type is an ischemic stroke, which occurs when a blood vessel is blocked due to a buildup of fatty deposits or a blood clot, keeping healthy blood flow from the brain.

• Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel leaks or ruptures in your brain. This type of stroke can be caused by many conditions that affect your blood and blood vessels.

Complications

A stroke can cause victims to have temporary or permanent disabilities, depending on how long the blood flow was lost and what area of the brain it was lost from. A few complications may include:

• Paralysis or loss of muscle movement
• Memory loss or difficult time with judgements
• Pain, numbness, or other uncomfortable sensations throughout the body
• Changes in behavior

How Can Physical Therapy Quincy MA Help?

Physical therapy for stroke victims is vital to the rehabilitation process. Without the help of an experienced team of therapists, the restoration of motor and sensory function may not occur.

The professional physical therapy team at Peak Physical Therapy Quincy MA will examine and evaluate the patient's condition and develop a customized strategy to begin therapy. In this rehabilitation, achieving optimal levels of movement, brain function, and muscle strength back for the patient is the end goal. Each stroke treatment varies on the size and location of the stroke, how quickly care was received, and additional health conditions of the patient. Various techniques include:

• Increasing range of motion and muscle strength
• Improving postural awareness and endurance
• Challenging balance and core stabilization to decrease risk of falling
• Improving motor control and coordination
• Increasing safety and independence with transfers, ambulation, and stair training

Patient’s needs will change over time, and the physical therapist may consider using aquatic therapy, or support devices to assist in recovery. Even after initial rehabilitation is completed, additional therapy appointments are suggested to assess progress, update exercise and training programs, and to achieve the healthiest possible lifestyle.

Peak Physical Therapy Quincy MA

Our South Shore Physical Therapy practice specializes in physical therapy including many specialty programs including return-to-sports, vestibular, pelvic health, post-concussion, aquatics, and more. Locations include physical therapy Quincy MA, Norwell, MA, Hanover, MA, Pembroke, MA, and Braintree, MA, Scituate, MA and serves the physical therapy Hingham MA and Weymouth MA areas. Our specialized programs combined with state-of-the-art facilities allow us to meet the unique needs of our local patients and achieve the fastest results. If you are unsure whether this type of treatment can help you, we offer a no-obligation FREE injury screening. Click here for more information.