Post-Stroke Rehabilitation
Post-stroke rehabilitation helps those who have suffered strokes relearn the skills they lost due to the brain damage caused by the stroke
When does post -stroke rehabilitation start?
A stroke is an emergency condition in which there is a disruption of blood supply to part of the brain, leading to brain injury. Rehabilitation helps someone who has had a stroke relearn skills that are suddenly lost when part of the brain is damaged. Post-stroke rehabilitation can start within 48 hours after the stroke. Clinical evidence shows that goal-directed mobilisation is critical to better patient outcomes. The stroke care team will evaluate the effects of the stroke and this in turn will determine the rehabilitation plan.According to the Irish Heart Foundation, ‘rehabilitation should start soon after you are admitted to hospital and continue throughout your hospital stay. Once you are stable you will be assessed by a rehabilitation team.’
Activities of daily living
Activities of daily living (ADL) is a key focus of rehabilitation after a stroke. Your care team will discuss your most important daily tasks with you and this will help establish your recovery goals. As every stroke is different, so too will be the post-stroke recovery plan. Stroke often leads to physical impairments such as hemiplegia or hemiparesis (weakenss of paralysis on one side of the body).
Repetitive motion
Repetitive motion, be it upper or lower limbs, is an effective way to stimulate the brain and activate what is known as the neuroplastic response.
This repetitive motion is integral to the success of the post-stroke recovery process and it should be continued when the patient is discharged back in to their home environment.
THERA-Trainer Tigo 558
At Beechfield Rehab, we supply the THERA-Trainer Tigo 558, an externally powered therapy device for circular passive, assistive or active movement of the upper and lower extremities.
For patients with hemiplegia, the Tigo 558 allows them to activate their neuroplasticity through passive exercises. Patients with hemiparesis can use the Tigo 558 to engage in active rehab exercises.
NOTE: It is imperative that you discuss your post-stroke recovery plan with your stroke team. If they prescribe motorised movement therapy, then you can book your Tigo to be ready and waiting in your home so that there is no interruption to your post-stroke recovery.
How long does post-stroke recovery take?
The post-stroke recovery process can be slow and uncertain, and for almost every single patient, the recovery outcomes will be different. Depending on the stroke’s severity, a patient will be required to spend time in intensive care or acute care. When the patient recovers and is suitable for discharge, the care team will formulate a discharge plan that is based on the level of functional impairment.
The goal of rehabilitation is to restore function as close as possible to prestroke levels or develop compensation strategies to work around a functional impairment. It is important to remain focussed and committed to the prescribed discharge plan so that rehabilitation goals are achieved.
Stroke Rehab At Home
If your discharge plan advises that the active and passive physical therapy aspects of your stroke rehab can be done from the comfort and familiarity of your own home, then it makes sense to establish a post-stroke recovery enviroment in your home.The Tigo 558
Designed and built in Germany by world-renowned THERA-Trainer, the Tigo 558 enables post-stroke patients to exercise their legs or upper body with or without motorised assistance – from their chair or wheelchair. It gently encourages mobility and has a positive effect on many other aspects of health.