STROKE

A stroke can have a devastating impact on both the person effected and their loved ones. Often they leave hospital or rehab and feel unsure about what comes next. I have worked with many stroke survivors who can tell you that this is when their recovery begins! Recovery is often fastest in the first 6 months of a stroke but recovery can continue for months to years after.

Physical effects of stroke

Hemiparesis (weakness in one side of your body). This can make sitting, walking and tasks of every day living difficult.
Foot drop - difficulty lifting toes, increasing falls risk when you walk.
Upper limb - weakness in your hand and arm making picking up objects and holding objects harder.
Balance and coordination problems can increase your risk of falling.
Reduced sensation - altered sensation for example in the lower limb can make walking difficult and reduce confidence in your own ability to walk. You may feel pins and needles, numbness, a reduced sensitivity to temperature, feeling more sensitive to stimuli or feeling unaware of position and movement in your limbs.
Spasticity - muscle stiffness making it more difficult to move the weak limb.

Stroke Rehabilitation

Every stroke is different. The aim of neuro physiotherapy is based on neuroplasticity. We are trying to encourage the brains ability to reorganise and form new neural pathways.

The initial assessment will find out what your difficulties and needs are. We will discuss your goals and make a plan on how we will try and achieve them. Exercises will be given each week for you to work on. Working independently and with family members between therapy sessions will help you reach these goals quicker.

Sessions should be enjoyable and help restore positivity for your future!