Stroke

A Stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is suddenly interrupted, or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, spilling blood into the spaces surrounding brain cells.

There are 2 different types of Stroke:

An Ischemic Stroke is a blockage of a blood vessel supplying the brain, ultimately causing a brain infarction (death of brain tissue). Ischemic Stroke accounts for approximately 80% of all Stroke incidents. Ischemic Strokes can also be caused by either an abnormal narrowing or thickening of the artery wall. Also called Embolic Stroke or Thrombotic Stroke.

A Haemorrhagic Stroke is bleeding into or around the brain. Such strokes account for approximately 20% of all strokes. Also called Intracerebral Haemorrhage or Subarachnoid Haemorrhage. This can be caused following an injury or sudden rupture of blood vessels in brain due to an underlying condition.

Brain cells die when they no longer receive oxygen and nutrients from the blood (Ischemic Stroke) or when they are damaged by sudden bleeding into or around the brain (Haemorrhagic Stroke). When blood flow to the brain is interrupted, some brain cells die immediately, while others remain at risk of death. Due to the damage to the brain tissues the connection between brain and your body is affected causing weakness in muscles, stiffness of muscles and joints, lack of awareness of the affected side of the body, lack of sensation on the affected side along with pain and other discomfort. Research suggest that starting rehabilitation sooner can enhance the recovery and improve quality of life post stroke.

Once out of the acute stage following a stroke, you will be treated in a rehabilitation setting or in the community.

Physiotherapy - Specialist Neurological Physiotherapy can help with different challenges identified by people affected with Stroke. The common aims of rehabilitation can be:

• Improvement with walking
• Improving arm and hand function after Stroke
• Reducing post-stroke shoulder pain from shoulder instability or weakness
• Enhancing mobility by addressing any dragging of foot
• Reducing spasticity/ stiffness in limbs and muscles
• Addressing weak and/ or stiff muscles
• Re-educating movement patterns through natural and assisted technology methods.

Occupational Therapy – An OT can assist with the activities of daily living, adaptations and equipment for home and mobility, and support in returning to work and leisure activities.

Speech and Language therapy - A SLP can provide support, treatment and advice in communication, speech and swallowing.

Medical management – Monitors and prescribes medication for pain relief, muscle spasm, and mood.

Other professions that can be involved include Psychologists and Dieticians.

Some examples of the therapy you may receive include:

• Hands on facilitation and re-education of normal movement patterns
• Soft tissue techniques to release and mobilise tight muscles
• Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) walking, hand function, cycling and cross training.
• Electrical Stimulation (Intento)
• Saebo products
• Virtual Reality devices like MindMotion Go/ GripAble/ Neuroball
• Gait and balance training – use of the Lite Gait, G Move, Alter G
• Functional strength and resistance training in our PFit studio with expertise from our Sports and Exercise Therapists and Personal trainers.
• Assessment and trial of specialist orthotics to assist with Drop Foot
• Jobskin body garments for sensory and proprioceptive feedback
• Aquatic therapy/Hydrotherapy
• Access to specialist Occupational Therapy and Speech and Language Therapy services
• Mirror therapy
• Group exercise- We are also able to offer group exercise with our multi-level Neurofit classes which are currently being delivered via Zoom following assessment from one of our specialist Physiotherapists. Your Physiotherapist will be able to assess and determine which class may be suitable for you.

https://www.stroke.org.uk/

https://differentstrokes.co.uk/

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stroke/recovery/