Stroke is a cerebrovascular accident that does not have any specific underlying cause and can affect people of all ages. Blood supply to the brain is affected during an episode of stroke due to a ruptured vessel or clot formation in the brain. This results in a shortage of oxygen supply to brain cells. If a part of the brain that controls movement is affected during the stroke, serious complications like paralysis or partial immobility may occur. However, this loss of movement and mobility is not permanent in all cases. The disability can be permanent, long-term, or short-term, depending upon the brain damage caused by the stroke. Post-stroke physiotherapy is one of the most effective and important ways of rehabilitation for the stroke survivors. Regular sessions of physiotherapy by trained professionals help the patients get back their muscle strength and control.

Benefits of Post-Stroke Physiotherapy

Post-stroke complications vary from patient-to-patient, depending upon various factors like -

• the severity of the stroke
• the total period of the stroke episode
• the part of the brain affected during the stroke

In most of the cases, mobility is affected as the patient loses control over some parts of their body. Rehabilitation via physiotherapy helps patients in gaining control over the muscles and restoring mobility. This process of therapy needs time and persistence to benefit effectively. Patient’s motor control improves gradually as stroke physiotherapists stimulate the affected nerves and muscles. The procedure helps in preventing stiffness and maintaining circulation, which further leads to the steady recovery of the patient from this neurological trauma.

The Process of Physical Therapy for Stroke Survivors

Rehabilitation programmes begin after primary medical intervention and control. Losing muscle control in areas like arms, legs, and face after a stroke is quite a conspicuous condition, but some stroke survivors may develop complications like a problem in bladder control. Therefore, physiotherapists begin by running an extensive assessment and analysis to identify the problem areas. After this, they prepare a personalised rehabilitation programme depending upon the severity of damage and the patient’s needs. For example, survivors with bladder control problems are advised to see a continence nurse as well to aid their recovery. Physiotherapy sessions are started with the main objective to increase patients’ capability to perform basic activities and make them more self-dependent.

Post-Stroke Physiotherapy During the COVID-19 Pandemic

As the COVID-19 outbreak has caused global havoc, delivering quality healthcare services has become all the more difficult in certain areas. An unexpected shortage of medical workforce and facilities has been observed in many parts of the world. While teleconsultation is being preferred during this pandemic when human contact is forbidden, some critical health concerns need physical aid and assistance. Therefore, HJ Hospitals abide by all the necessary safety practices as suggested by WHO to contain the coronavirus infection. We maintain a COVID-free facility by following preventive measures like regular sanitisation and thermal screening at all entrances. Hence, stroke survivors can continue with their regular physical therapy sessions with HJ Hospitals.

We maintain completely hygienic premises for the health and safety of our patients, visitors, and staff. Additionally, home care services are also available for patients who are unable to visit the hospital due to any reason. These services have been initiated in view of COVID-19 and include doorstep delivery of medicine, home sample collection for pathology testing, and doctor’s visit at home. We serve 24x7 so that this pandemic does not hinder the rehabilitation process of a stroke survivor. Thus, one can connect with us to continue with their post-stroke physiotherapy sessions without any fear of COVID-19 as HJ Hospitals continues to deliver quality services.