Stroke Rehabilitation
What is a Stroke?
A stroke happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off, killing brain cells.
Damage to the brain can affect how the body works. It can also change how you think and feel.
The effects of a Stroke depend on where it takes place in the brain, and how big the damaged area is.
What Are the Different Types of Stroke?
An Ischaemic Stroke Is caused by a blockage of the blood supply to the brain. This is the most common type of Stroke.
A Haemorrhagic Stroke is caused by bleeding in or around the brain.
A Transient Ischaemic Attack, or TIA is also known as a mini-stroke. It is the same a Stroke, except that the symptoms only last for a short amount of time. This is because the blockage that stops the blood getting to the brain is temporary.
What Are the Effects of Stroke?
Some of the most common effects of Stroke are physical, and include;
- Weakness, paralysis, spasticity, stiffness, changes in sensation usually down one side of the body. This may result in balance problems and difficulty walking or loss of arm function.
- Foot drop due to weakness in the muscles that lift the foot. This can lead to trips and falls.
- Fatigue
- Pain
Some people may also experience difficulties with swallowing, visual impairment, or bladder and bowel problems.
How Can Physiotherapy Help With Long Term Stroke Rehabilitation?
At NT Rehab we are a team of neurological physiotherapists who have many years experience in treating people who have experienced the effects of a Stroke.
Physiotherapy can help with post-stroke rehabilitation:
- Exercises to build strength and stamina and to improve a range of movement and stiff joints.
- Hands on therapy to encourage normal patterns of movement. This is based on the ‘Bobath Concept’.
- Balance Exercises.
- Walking re-education.
- Advice on spasticity management of foot-drop, for example; splints or muscle stimulation.
- Advice on walking aids or equipment.
We will work with you to help set goals and achieve your full potential through rehabilitation after a stroke.
Where do we cover?
NT Rehab offers specialist physiotherapy across a wide geographical area, including:
Want to know more?
If you or a loved one has had a stroke and is in need of specialist physiotherapy in the Midlands, get in touch with us today.
External resources
Case Studies
Some of Our Specialist Physiotherapists ...
Emma
Emma is passionate about helping people recover from the effects of Stroke and has many years experience working at a senior level in Stroke rehabilitation.
She has developed specialist skills within her post graduate training including Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) and the Bobath Concept.
Emma is a member of ACPIN (association of chartered physiotherapists in neurology). Emma covers Sutton Coldfield, Walsall, Aldridge, Lichfield areas.
Paula
Paula is a senior Physiotherapist with over 20 years experience and is dedicated to helping people who have suffered a Stroke to reach their potential.
Paula has undertaken postgraduate training to develop her skills which include Bobath Concept, electrical muscle stimulation, splinting and casting.
She is a member of ACPIN and covers areas around Solihull, Birmingham and Leamington Spa.