A stroke is a life changing event which happens to people of all ages. If you suspect you or someone you know are having a stroke you must act ‘FAST’ and call an ambulance straight away no matter how subtle or severe the signs are:
F = Fallen face
A = Arm weakness
S = Slurred speech
T = Time to call 999
Initial management
At the hospital, you will need to be assessed for the most appropriate management plan. This may involve scans, tests, medication and medical and nursing care.
You should meet therapists soon after this when you are medically stable. They may be a physiotherapist, an occupational therapist and/or a speech and language therapist who will work intensively with you start you on your way to recovery.
It is worth putting in some hard work for the first three months
The recovery rate of the brain is at its greatest in the first three months.
Intensive rehabilitation is most beneficial at this stage to address the problems and difficulties your stroke has left you with.
Physiotherapists have a range of skills to motivate you to put in the hard work necessary to recover as quick as possible.
What if you are managing but are still not 100%?
Physiotherapy is just as important when you are doing most things but you are not quite 100%. This is to reduce your chances of injury from muscle imbalances and to progress and challenge the final stages of your rehabilitation enabling you to do all that you were doing before as quickly as possible.
Did you know that your brain can continue to heal for up to two years?
As you continue to improve and get better your exercises need to become more challenging to optimize your capabilities.
What happens after two years?
You may understandably get sick of exercising for such a long period, however further gains can be made down the track when you are ready.
Physiotherapy at a later stage can optimize your physical status and more importantly make you aware of bad habits that may have developed so that you can change them and find easier ways to do things.
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