Stroke

Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in the rehabilitation of stroke patients. The main goals are to restore movement, improve function, and help the patient regain independence. Treatment is individualized, depending on the severity and type of stroke, but typically includes the following key components:

1. Initial Assessment

  • Evaluate motor function, balance, coordination, muscle tone, and mobility.

  • Assess sensory deficits, joint range of motion, and postural alignment.

  • Identify goals based on the patient’s condition and personal needs

2. Early Mobilization

  • Task-Specific Training: Practicing everyday activities like walking, reaching, or standing up.

  • Repetitive Task Practice: Helps rebuild neural connections through neuroplasticity.

  • Strengthening Exercises: For weakened muscles, especially in the limbs and trunk.

3. Muscle Strengthening & Motor Relearning

  • Task-Specific Training: Practicing everyday activities like walking, reaching, or standing up.

  • Repetitive Task Practice: Helps rebuild neural connections through neuroplasticity.

  • Strengthening Exercises: For weakened muscles, especially in the limbs and trunk.

4. Balance & Coordination Training

  • tatic and dynamic balance exercises.

  • Weight shifting and posture correction to prevent falls.

5. Gait Training

  • Use of parallel bars, treadmills, or robotic devices.

  • Functional walking training with or without assistive devices like canes or walkers.

6. Spasticity Management

  • Stretching and positioning: To reduce muscle stiffness.

  • Splints or orthotics: To maintain proper limb alignment.

  • Modalities: Such as electrical stimulation or heat.

7. Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES)

  • Used to stimulate specific muscles to improve movement or reduce spasticity.

8. Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT)

  • Involves restricting the unaffected limb to encourage use of the affected one.

9. Vestibular Rehabilitation (if balance/dizziness is involved)

  • Techniques to improve gaze stability and reduce vertigo symptoms.

10. Education and Home Exercise Program

  • Training for caregivers.

  • Customized home-based exercises to continue progress.

Goals of Physiotherapy Post-Stroke

  • Improve strength, coordination, and balance.

  • Promote independence in daily activities.

  • Prevent complications like joint stiffness, pressure sores, and falls.

  • Enhance quality of life.