How rehab can help after a stroke
Most of us donβt think twice about basic skills like walking or speaking. However, a stroke can cause difficulties with functions we take for granted. Some can be permanent, but others can be helped with rehab. Gina Gleissner, OTD, answered questions about life after a stroke and how rehab can help.
What are common issues experienced after a stroke that can be helped by rehab?
“Every stroke is as unique as the person experiencing it,” Gleissner said. “There are several ways therapists can help after someone experiences a stroke, whether it’s helping with daily routines, movement, speaking, swallowing or even driving a car.”
Having an interdisciplinary rehabilitation team that includes occupational, physical and speech therapy will allow for the most well-rounded recovery to improve issues an individual may face after experiencing a stroke.Β
How do you choose the right therapist after a stroke?
“Ultimately, the most important step is finding a therapist with advanced training and certifications in neuroscience (stroke) rehabilitation,” Gleissner said. “Just as there are many specialty areas for doctors, the same exists for therapists.”
How can you increase your chances of a successful recovery?
Neuroplasticity is the most important concept in stroke recovery. This is the brain’s ability to retrain itself to recover the functionality lost by stroke.
In addition to starting therapy as quickly as possible, Gleissner said completing personalized exercises is important, as the brain needs a lot of practice to make positive changes that lead to improved functioning.
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