Why are Physiotherapy and Hydrotherapy the Most Effective Post Stroke Recovery Methods?
One fine day, your most loved relative got a brain attack, and eventually, they could not perform everyday tasks without assistance. This can be heart-wrenching, but it’s a reality.
Stroke is a condition that occurs when there is an obstruction in blood vessels present in the brain. This obstruction blocks the blood supply, which either results in the bursting of the vessel or deprives a section of the brain of blood flow.
As the section of the brain is unable to receive blood and nutrition, it stops working. Although quick emergency treatment during stroke is the key to saving lives, effective therapy sessions are essential to regain mobility and strength to perform various activities normally.
You must be curious to know how therapies do wonders for stroke patients. Isn’t it?
The coming sections provide answers to your doubts.
Effects of Stroke
Each part of the brain controls a different body function. Therefore, the impact of stroke largely depends on the part of the brain where it occurs. However, common neurological and functional effects after a stroke include the following:
Muscle weakness of the loss of movement in legs and hands. This generally occurs on one side of the body.
Changes to the sense of perception.
Loss of muscular and skin feeling resulting in numbness or tingling.
Difficulty while speaking or swallowing food.
Problem while reading or writing.
Trouble with memory and thinking.
Issues with vision. This can range from double vision to unbalanced vision.
Shoulder pain.
Lost ability to maintain balance while walking or standing.
Tiredness or fatigue.
Mood swings or depression.
Now let's look at different therapies that can solve and manage the effects of stroke.
Physiotherapy for Stroke Rehab
As stroke restricts the free movement of particular body parts, it becomes vital to get physical therapies that increase strength and mobility. Moreover, physiotherapy is something that is prescribed to patients right after 24 hours of experiencing a stroke attack.
Physiotherapists work with patients to help them stand up, walk, and use their arms more effectively. Balance, muscle strength, range of motion, sensitivity, coordination, and endurance are among the elements that physiotherapists focus on since they are crucial for mobility. Here’s how a physiotherapist can support you as you move through the many stages of stroke rehabilitation.
Early phase: In the initial stage, when people are in hospital, physiotherapy helps them in simple movements like getting up, standing, changing positions, sitting properly, etc.
Sub-acute phase: It is started after the identification of the rehabilitation needs of patients. Although people who receive early therapy have a better chance of regaining mobility, those who missed the initial physiotherapy can also pace their recovery by participating in regular practice sessions. This generally ranges to 3 hours with a minimum of 2 hours of active exercise.
Long-term phase: Stroke survivors are mostly told that there is a limited scope of recovery after 6-12 months. However, several research suggests that with proper physiotherapy, recovery is still likely to be feasible.
An efficient physiotherapist can design a customised programme according to the requirement of patients. Additionally, therapies can improve their fitness, which may help in proper body function and lowers the risks of impairment and mortality. One of the most important aspects of your management is lowering the chance of having another stroke.
Hydrotherapy for Stroke Rehab
Hydrotherapy post-stroke includes practising physical activities in water at a controlled temperature for the comfort of patients. Moreover, body movement in water is relatively easier than on land. Therefore, patients can perform multiple exercises without any difficulty.
Physical therapies under warm water also help release muscle pain and tension. This way, patients can gain balance, muscular control, and strength. One of the best things about hydrotherapy is that patients are safe from any dangers that may occur due to their lost leg strength.
Evidence to Prove Effectiveness of Physiotherapy in Stroke Treatment
Here is a list of evidence and studies to prove the effectiveness of physiotherapy for post-stroke treatment:
In a study conducted by the University of Almeria, Spain, it was found that hydrotherapy and land physiotherapy is helpful in improving balance and symmetry in stroke patients.
According to an article published on sciencedirect, it is found that aquatic therapy is extremely useful in increasing mobility, muscle strength, balance, joint position, and quality of life.
Here is a video that shows Dr Shipra kumari PT of Alexa Healthcare Centre, Kolkata, offering effective Physiotherapy sessions to a stroke patient that helped him perform daily activities independently:
Conclusion
Physiotherapy for stroke rehabilitation starts with simple land-based activities. Later, the therapists design a set of exercises according to the needs of the patients that help them regain their lost independence to the maximum extent.
If your loved ones are suffering from a stroke after effects, contact the efficient team of physiotherapists at Alexa, who primarily aim to improve their patient’s health by combining water and land-based exercises.
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