What is a stroke?
A strokes occurs when there is an interruption in the blood supply to a particular part of the brain, ultimately causing the cells in that area of the brain to die. There are different types of strokes, including ischemic, which occurs there is a blockage in a blood vessel in the brain, and hemorrhagic, which occurs when a weakened blood vessel in the brain ruptures. When cells die in a particular part of the brain, the area in the body that it controls experiences dysfunction. Common are weakness, paralysis, and impaired balance and coordination.
Physiotherapy plays a vital role in stroke rehabilitation. There is strong evidence to support the use of immediate and intensive physiotherapy to regain function after a strokes. Strokes patients will often be admitted into a stroke rehabilitation unit or stroke program at their local hospital. The intervention focuses on reestablishing neuro-pathways so that the body can relearn movements. Though rapid recovery occurs in the initial months following a stroke, improvements from physiotherapy can be seen up to 2 years. Therefore, it is important that patients continue with rehabilitation after discharge from hospital. In the case of chronic stoke patients, or those who suffered a stroke years prior, physiotherapy can still be beneficial to improve strength and conditioning and learn adaptive techniques to maximize independence.