Having a stroke can negatively impact almost all aspects of your life. The proper treatment plan can make a big difference in your life and those of your loved ones. Stroke affects the patient and their families because they might need constant care if the case is severe. A physiotherapist will advise you on deep tissue massage as it ensures that your recovery is smooth.
So how can stroke affect you, and how can physiotherapy help you depending on how severe the stroke is? Read on to find out.
How Can Stroke Affect You?
How much stroke will affect you depends on which part of the brain was affected and how severe the effect was. However, the effects below are the most commonly experienced by people after they suffer from a stroke:
- Weakness or loss of movement mostly on one side of your legs and arms
- Fatigue
- Incontinence
- Depression
- Vision issues
- Balance issues
- Difficulty in reading or writing
- Difficulty when speaking or swallowing
- Having trouble with memory and thinking
How A Physiotherapist Can Help You
Your life changes significantly after a stroke; thus, you need help recovering and adjusting to all the changes. Going for physiotherapy in Singapore is a good way of getting you or your loved one the support they need in their recovery process.
So how does the physiotherapist help you when you suffer from a stroke?
1. Early Phase
Also known as the acute phase, this is the early days after a stroke, and you are most likely to be in the hospital. The physiotherapist ensures you don’t get complications arising from immobility.
They will guide you to a proper position to avoid swelling and skin damage. They will also assist you in sitting up and moving within 24-48 hours after a stroke which is the recommended time to support recovery.
2. Sub-Acute Phase
Once your rehabilitation needs have been identified, it is time for the process to begin, and a physiotherapist works with other health care providers to offer you the best care. You may undergo the rehabilitation process at the comfort of your home or in a rehabilitation center.
The physiotherapist will help you and your support group with recovery goals and then start the journey to achieve them.
- Walking is a common goal that people work towards after a stroke. The therapists assist you with an exercise plan to strengthen the affected areas.
- The physiotherapist also helps you perform exercises that aid in recovering your balance.
- A therapist also helps you recover arm function. You may not regain full use, but they will help you recover as much as possible.
3. Chronic Phase
A physiotherapist will create a personalized training program that ensures that you keep getting stronger even years after the stroke. That way, you will live a happier life with decreased disability and partial independence.
Conclusion
A stroke can have a devastating impact on your life, and it can make you go down a path of depression and self-pity. However, you can recover most of your body functions and live longer and happier with proper care and support. But you must be ready to put in the work and stay positive throughout the process, no matter how long it takes.
