Are you or someone you love dealing with the effects of a recent stroke? Have you improved your abilities but feel like you can improve even more with proper guidance? At Total Care Physical Therapy in Hillsborough, NJ, our physical therapists specialize in treating people with neurological disorders, including stroke-related ones. We can help you continue to make gains and teach you strengthening strategies to ensure you achieve your goals!
Most people want to be healthier, stronger, and more active. This may sometimes feel difficult to accomplish due to persistent struggles with balance and gait since suffering from a stroke.
The physical and mental toll of dealing with the effects of a stroke can seem overwhelming at times.
Fortunately, at Total Care Physical Therapy in Hillsborough, NJ, our therapists are up-to-date on the most effective treatment strategies, including strength training, to help improve your function and reduce the risk of future injuries. Our highly trained physical therapists can create a personalized strength training plan for your needs and goals.
Call today, request an appointment with one of our specialists, and get started on a healthier you!
What is a stroke?
A stroke is a disease related to your circulation and affecting your brain (cerebrovascular disease). A stroke can affect different brain parts and occurs when the blood supply is disrupted, depriving our brains of oxygen and nutrients needed for normal function.
There are a variety of risk factors that increase an individual’s risk of suffering from a stroke, several of that are related to lifestyle choices, including the following:
- Physical inactivity
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Smoking and excessive consumption of alcohol
- Poor nutritional habits (i.e., highly processed foods, foods with high sugar and fat content)
Often the first sign of a problem is the stroke itself, and the damage to the brain affects physical function. Fortunately, we have learned to maximize people’s recovery with early exercise. Unfortunately, the changes occurring in our bodies and brain are undetected, and we continue down the road of poor choices until it’s too late.
There are two main types of stroke:
- Ischemic: This type of stroke occurs when a blockage in an artery prevents the normal flow of blood to different regions in the brain.
- Hemorrhagic: This type of stroke occurs due to a bulging outwards of a blood vessel in the brain that eventually ruptures. This bulge is an aneurysm typically caused by a weakness in the blood vessel wall.
Through a process called “neuroplasticity,” rehabilitation has changed how we address the limitations after a stroke. This team means that our brains can create new pathways that allow our bodies to regain functional abilities.
People with neurological conditions after a stroke can experience difficulties ranging from mild weakness to a significant disability. The range of impairment and dysfunction can also vary from a short period of time (weeks) to needing help with most everyday tasks for the rest of their lives.
The impact of a stroke will differ based on the severity and the location in the brain. Some people have complex disabilities, including cognitive, behavioral, and communication problems and physical deficits. Often stroke survivors are deconditioned due to a sedentary lifestyle and are at an even greater risk for falls and high risk for recurrent stroke and other health issues.
What to expect at Total Care Physical Therapy sessions
Rehabilitation should start immediately following most strokes to ensure the fastest recovery possible. A physical therapist with neurological rehab experience will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine the severity of the stroke and its impact on function. We will identify weaknesses or limitations that may affect the individual’s recovery.
Next, your therapist at Total Care Physical Therapy in Hillsborough, NJ will create a targeted, individualized plan of care for you to promote an accelerated recovery and prevent future injuries or disabilities. For example, your physical therapist will guide you through a series of exercises designed to help you return to your pre-stroke abilities.
We will focus on progressing your strength and dynamic stability exercises designed to restore function and prevent injuries. We will also incorporate balance and coordination exercises to stimulate the nervous system and help ensure you can walk and maintain balance with everyday tasks.
Strength training is an integral part of rehabilitation and reaching your peak physical potential, but there are other health benefits, including the following:
- Improved strength: This is obvious, but improved strength allows you to perform daily tasks much more manageably, such as carrying groceries or recreational activities.
- Decreased risk of falls: Multiple studies have demonstrated the benefits of strength training for reducing your risk of falls by improving your balance, coordination, and response to losing your balance. In addition, if you fall, you are less susceptible to serious injuries.
- Improved heart health: Multiple studies have shown that regular strength-training decreases blood pressure, lowers cholesterol (i.e., total and LDL levels), and improves blood circulation.
- Helps manage your blood sugar levels: Strength training may also reduce your risk of developing diabetes by helping reduce and maintain blood sugar levels.
- Improves brain health: Those who engage in strength training may have better brain health and protection against cognitive decline.
Strength training provides many health benefits improving overall function and reducing the risk of injury and falls. Furthermore, anything you can do to help your body achieve more of an ideal state is a step towards a healthier you. Our neurological physical therapy programs will provide the foundation for your success!
Request an appointment today
Don’t let the effects of a stroke get in the way of you or a loved one enjoying life! Call Total Care Physical Therapy today to set up an appointment with one of our neurological specialists!
