A Stroke Survivor’s Guide to Physical Therapy

Stroke causes mild to severe signal disruption between the brain and various organs and tissues. According to studies, the prognosis for stroke survivors can sometimes vary – with 10 percent making a full recovery, 25 percent having minor disabilities, and 40 percent having mild to severe impairment that requires special assistance. Notably, several factors affect the progress of a patient’s stroke recovery journey. One of which is the quality of the care received from stroke physical therapists in Miami.

Case studies note that the level of intensity and commitment to complete a stroke physical therapy and rehabilitation program can help survivors navigate challenges better. Learn more about how you can jumpstart or improve your recovery journey with the help of our comprehensive guide on physical therapy for stroke survivors. 

Why is it essential to seek physical therapy after a stroke?

A significant fraction of stroke survivors report paralysis on one side of the body. Most of them work hand in hand with stroke physical therapists in Miami to cope with the impairment caused by their cerebral vascular accident. In the first few weeks of recovery, physical therapists help patients tone and stimulate their muscles – a crucial step to prepare the body for voluntary muscle action, retrain the brain and the nerve synapses, and prevent complications.

Physical therapy is one of the many components of stroke rehabilitation. It works closely with other methodologies like occupational therapy to help affected individuals recover and thrive.

When should stroke survivors seek physical therapy?

John Hopkins Medicine notes that the first three months are crucial for stroke survivors. That’s why most people undergo inpatient or outpatient therapy sessions to stimulate the severed nerve pathways and work around functional impairments a few weeks after discharge. 

We suggest doing the same before your doctor signs your discharge papers. We also recommend reviewing your plan with your medical team and requesting referrals for stroke physical therapists in Miami. You can also coordinate with our team at iAM ABLE so we can help you figure things out and outline a program tailored to fit your needs.

What happens during post-stroke physical therapy sessions?

Typically, the first appointment aims to assess your situation. It could include reviewing your doctor’s diagnosis and discharge notes, interviewing you or your loved ones about your challenges, and examining the body’s current condition. Therapists use the findings from the initial appointment to customize the approach and suggest activities to help you cope. 

Each stroke survivor is different. So, your physical therapy and rehabilitation program might vary slightly from others. Your program might also vary from others because of the specific goals you set. But generally speaking, all post-stroke rehabilitation program aims to provide the following benefits: 

• Relearning simple motor functions (sitting, standing, walking, rolling out of bed, etc.)
• Addressing pain or discomfort that comes with post-stroke recovery
• Providing practical tips to help prevent complications or issues 
• Providing guidance and training to your family or caregiver
• Teaching how to use assistive devices (walkers, prostheses, canes, orthoses, wheelchairs, robotics, etc.)

What should you ask your post-stroke PT?

We understand how challenging it is to navigate your new life. You have plenty of things to think or worry about. It’s a crucial chapter that can forever redefine how you will live after your cerebral vascular accident. So, it would help to have the best physical therapists on your team. 

To help you narrow down your options, we listed a few questions you can ask your PT the first time you visit for a consultation:

How long have you been working with stroke survivors? 

The experience level of your chosen physical therapist will make a massive difference in your rehabilitation journey. In addition, their specialization in caring for stroke patients will also provide beneficial insights and techniques you can apply to your situation. 

How do you help patients during the rehab program?

Finding out what specific measures a PT uses to help achieve the rehab goals of stroke survivors might come in handy in looking for a program that satisfies your needs and demands.  

What is your philosophy in helping clients?

Learning the specific things that influence your PT’s approach to helping patients might help you check if the program might be a good fit for you. It will also help you find a PT dedicated to assisting you with the challenges after a stroke.

Work closely with professional stroke physical therapists in Miami

Life after a stroke can be filled with hurdles and uncertainties. Thankfully, with a committed team of healthcare professionals like stroke physical therapists in Miami behind your back, you can work around your impairments and live a happy and content life. 

If you are looking for a partner who will support and guide you in your stroke recovery journey, we suggest considering iAM ABLE. We have been working with stroke survivors and patients with varying levels of paralysis for years. Our team comprises licensed and experienced physical therapists who can build a rehab program that addresses your challenges and aligns with your stroke recovery goals. Our outpatient rehab center also features several pieces of equipment that can help you perform the exercise included in your rehabilitation program. 

Get in touch with the iAM ABLE team to learn more about our approach to rehabilitating stroke survivors. We would love to be part of your journey in embracing your second chance at life. We strongly suggest reaching out to us at alfredo@iamable.org or 305-283-9717. You can also grab a FREE copy of our comprehensive eBook on overcoming paralysis and leading a thriving life after an injury.

Grab our free e-book 7 Unbelievably Important Steps to Take to THRIVE after Paralysis by clicking the image below.