The Role of Physical Therapy in Stroke Rehabilitation

If you or someone you care for has a stroke, you'll want to know about the benefits of stroke rehabilitation. Because a stroke often limits basic activities like walking or using arms and hands, regaining post-stroke independence is an involved process requiring a team of dedicated and highly skilled health professionals. Much depends on the individual's condition, but the end goal is to restore a semblance of their day-to-day activity. Physical therapists play a critical role in this recovery care team.

Physical Therapy for a Stroke

Physical therapists (PTs) diagnose and treat people whose injuries or health problems "limit their ability to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives," according to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). In addition to wellness and prevention efforts, PTs are professionally trained to assess a patient's limitations and develop treatment plans to help in a variety of ways, such as reducing pain, restoring a lost skill, or teaching a new method of doing a physical activity. To do this, PTs work with a patient to develop goals and milestones.

Along with occupational therapy (OT), which focuses on restoring functions for daily living, physical therapy is the core professional discipline for stroke rehabilitation. Stroke rehabilitation teams include PTs, OTs, speech therapists, nutritionists, nurses, and social workers. Like other health care professionals, physical therapists respect a patient's right to self-determination and view their relationship with patients as a partnership. Whether it's building muscle mass, improving range of motion, or increasing endurance, physical therapists employ a wide range of tools and techniques.

Stroke Rehab Timeline and Treatment Locations

According to the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), most stroke rehab programs last from three to six months. Rehabilitation should begin immediately following a stroke. This is especially important if the patient is elderly or very ill, as lack of movement makes it harder to exercise, and patients can become so deconditioned that it's very difficult to start rehab.

Patients will most likely begin stroke rehabilitation in the hospital. From there, they'll work with a PT either in an outpatient setting or at home. It's also possible a patient might spend time in a rehab or nursing center for further treatment. Much depends on the patient's condition when they are ready to leave the hospital.

Physical and Long-Term Treatment

The traditional belief, according to the ACSM, is that recovery of most motor function occurs within the first three to six months following a stroke. That belief is challenged by new research that shows "aggressive rehabilitation beyond this time period can result in significant improvement in physical function."

This dramatically expands both the need for and the role of physical therapists in stroke rehab. Aerobic exercise is becoming a recognized treatment in this effort, and physical therapists use such equipment as stationary bicycles and treadmills. These exercises benefit patients in a variety of ways. The ACSM says treadmill training, for example, might help patients relearn how to walk safely.

Stroke rehabilitation requires a team effort. If you are going through the post-stroke rehab process, then you're the most vital member of that team. Physical therapists do everything they can to restore a patient's ability to do what matters most in daily life, but their success largely depends on what the individual patient is looking to accomplish and their willingness to participate and work toward recovery.

Copyrighted material adapted with permission from Ignite Healthwise, LLC. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor.