The National Stroke Association defines stroke as a “brain attack”. It occurs when blood flow to an area of brain is cut off. When this happens, brain cells are damaged as they are deprived of oxygen. When brain cells die during a stroke, abilities controlled by that area of the brain such as memory and muscle control are impaired. How a person is affected by their stroke depends on where the stroke occurs in the brain and how much the brain is damaged.
How can physical therapy help?
Treatment for stroke varies. Your specific treatment will depend on the results of the comprehensive exam performed by a member of our team, and on how long it’s been since you had your stroke. Recovery from a stroke depends on the size and location of the stroke, how quickly you received care, and your other health conditions. Our therapists will help you regain functional skills to allow you to participate in your specific life activities. In addition to our hands-on treatment, our practice offers interventions including body-weight supported gait training, treadmill gait analysis, and the Nu-Step recumbent stepper.