Physiotherapy after a stroke

Recently, cases of stroke, of whom about 70% are

The main objective of physical therapy after stroke

Medical gymnastics under the force something that can't do even the most modern medicines. After the entire reserve of medical means have been exhausted, to reduce neurological deficit that remains after a stroke, will be able regular exercise. To restore the neurons that died during a stroke, is impossible. But thanks to regular physical effort can improve the operation of the other neurons in the brain that can provide excellent compensation for lost functions.

Video transmission about recovering after a stroke:

The initial phase of therapy

Physiotherapy after a stroke should begin gradually, so to speak, solving problems as they arrive. Adhering to all recommendations of the doctor-rehabilitation specialist and physiotherapist, a patient who initially leg raise could not, after some time of diligent training will once again be able to start walking.

Important parts of physical therapy is the preparatory period when active motion is contraindicated, and performed for health reasons, they can't. Elementary gymnastics consists of several events:

• the correct position;
• passive exercises for different muscle groups;
• breathing exercises;
• mental exercises.

Treatment status

At first the patient have to stay long in bed. In severe cases of stroke the person may remain bedridden for the rest of his life. But, as a rule, some motor functions returned, and the person begins to move.

At this time very important as a healing and preventive measure is the correct body position in bed. This type of therapy in the first place to execute people who

Therapeutic exercise in terms of bed rest

At this stage we are talking about the active exercises, which the patient carries out independently after partial resumption using the above described techniques, physical therapy and other methods of rehabilitation treatment.

A set of exercises for the upper extremities:

• clenching a fist, repeat 10-20 times;
• circular motion at the wrist joint when cityh fists, repeat for 15 spins in both directions;
• extension and bending of the arms at the elbows and repeat 20 times;
• starting position – arms at sides, slowly raise and lower them parallel to the body (shoulder joints), repeat 20 times;
• I. p. the same, swing your arms to the side, lying on your back, repeat 20 times.

A set of exercises forlower extremities:

• do flexor and extensor movements of the toes, repeat 20 times;
• pulling the stop up (to itself) and down (press the pedal), repeat 15 times for each leg;
• bend your knees, then slowly return the limb to its original position, repeat 15 times;
• slowly dilute with legs bent in hip joints, return to I. p. repeat 10 times.

A set of exercises for the muscles of the torso:

• slowly turn to the side from the supine position, repeat 10 times;
• resting on the shoulder, neck, elbows and feet raise the pelvis off the bed, repeat 5 times;
• raise above the bed upper body, repeat 5 times.

It is important to remember! The more and regularly you'll perform exercises in bed, the faster you can move to the next stage of physical therapy that will bring you closer to full recovery and resumption of normal life.

Therapeutic exercise in the sitting position

This stage of physical therapy usually cannot begin for 3 week after a stroke. But sometimes the patient is able to take the sitting position much earlier.

Approximate set of exercises from a seated position:

1. Circular head movements and tilts in the cervical spine, do 10 times in each direction.
2. Sitting on the bed with their feet, without support under the back. The duration usually depends on the degree of fatigue of the patient and reaches the beginning of 3-10 minutes.
3. The patient sits up in bed, grasping at the rails, do prohibida movement of the back, stay in this position for a few seconds, then slowly return to I. p.
4. I. p. sitting on the bed, alternately lift your legs, removing them from the bed 30-40 cm, repeat 10 times.
5. I. p. lying under the back puts a pillow). Slowly bend one leg and pulls it to his chest, clasping hand. Then return to I. p. Repeat 5 times for each limb.
6. Perform complex grasping movements for the restoration of motility of fingers.

This is only General and approximate set of exercises. Each case requires an individual approach. Some patients are assigned additional exercises for the eye muscles, the resumption of speech functions for the recovery of small movements of hands.

Therapeutic exercise in the standing position

These exercises begin with the patient attempts to stand up, at first with assistance, then independently. Often patients use the devices for additional support. Very good results show the exercises with the help of special rehabilitation equipment under the supervisionphysiotherapist at specialized medical establishments (sanatoriums, rehabilitation centres), but in the home, you can create and run a set of simple but effective exercises.

Approximate set of exercises from a standing position:

1. Current position standing, arms at your sides, feet shoulder width apart. Stand in this position and trying to keep his balance.
2. Circular movements of the head in a standing position.
3. Mahi hands in a standing position.
4. Turns and inclinations of a trunk.
5. Squat.
6. Lifting and leg swings.

Video transmission about how to restore movement after a stroke:

Once the patient feels comfortable in the standing position, you can extend the motor mode with the help of daily walks in the fresh air. At first it is necessary to walk in support and with additional support short distances of 5-10 meters with a truce. We should gradually increase the distance of walking and reduce the duration of the respite, to increase the pace of walking. But it is very important not to overdo it, because excessive load may adversely affect overall health.

It must be remembered that physical therapy should fit to enter into the lives of every person who had a stroke. Its role is not less important than regular intake of medicines for the prevention of recurrent ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, control blood pressure and other preventive measures.