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Stroke Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation programs are critical in helping patients regain lost skills, relearn tasks, and work to be independent again. In many cases, there is great potential for the brain to recover. With diligent rehabilitation, these prospects can get even better. Even if major neurological deficits do not improve, the patients’ functioning can improve as they learn ways to compensate for their problems.

Some factors that play a role in success of stroke rehabilitation are:

  • The extent of the brain injury. The less severe the injury, the better the chances for recovery.
  • The stroke survivor’s attitude. A survivor’s positive attitude can help him or her cope with difficult times and focus on getting better.
  • Family support. A stroke survivor’s family can be the most important form of support during rehabilitation. Family members can reassure stroke survivors that they’re wanted, needed, and still important to the family.
  • Time until start of rehabilitation. Rehabilitation must begin as soon after the stroke as possible. Even simple tasks such as exercising paralyzed muscles and turning the person in bed should begin very soon after the stroke. Stroke rehabilitation is most successful when it is a team effort. The stroke survivor and his or her family must work together with the doctor, nurse, and other rehabilitation specialists.

What happens after the stroke patient leaves the hospital?

Stroke rehabilitation is provided in a number of settings. Doctors, therapists, and case managers will determine what setting would provide the most appropriate treatment based primarily on the stroke disability and prognosis for improvement. Sayings like “no pain – no gain” and “use it or lose it” do not apply to stroke patients. More exercise is not necessarily better.

A safe and effective rehabilitation program allows patients to recover at a pace that fits their needs and abilities. Patients usually move among various levels of care during their recovery. Deciding on the right setting for rehabilitation involves many elements:

  • The severity and unique characteristics of the physical problems caused by the stroke
  • The presence of other medical conditions like arthritis, kidney disease, or heart disease
  • Availability and location of family and friends
  • Insurance coverage for rehabilitation services