Rehabilitation Stages Of A Stroke Patient

Stroke is a treatable condition that requires various interventions. In the initial stages, medical and interventional treatments are employed, followed by evidence-based physiotherapy and rehabilitation methods. With proper care and treatment, stroke patients can regain lost movements, senses, and muscle strength. The extent of recovery largely depends on the severity of brain damage, the effectiveness of initial medical intervention, and the prompt initiation of comprehensive physiotherapy. Early intervention and the timely onset of physiotherapy are crucial in the treatment of stroke.

• Passive Range of Motion Exercises:

Passive range of motion exercises are performed for patients who cannot move their arm and leg on one side as a result of stroke. The exercises involve moving the limb gently within its range of motion to prevent stiffness and improve circulation. This exercise is typically performed by a therapist or robotic device that helps the limb move. The impact of this exercise is to prevent muscle shortness, joint stiffness and spasticity. Robotic rehabilitation devices help improve the effectiveness of this exercise by providing consistent and controlled movements.

• Stretching Exercises:

Stretching exercises are performed to prevent muscle shortness, joint stiffness, and spasticity. These exercises help to increase the range of motion and flexibility in the affected limb. The impact of stretching exercises is to increase flexibility and prevent further injury.

• Neurorehabilitation Methods:

Neurorehabilitation exercises are important for regaining the functions lost due to stroke. These exercises stimulate recovery in the brain, enable relearning of movement and gain muscle strength.

• Body Control Exercises in Sitting Position:

In the early stages of rehabilitation, patients are placed in a sitting position by the bed, and exercises are performed to increase body control. This exercise is designed to improve trunk control and balance. The impact of this exercise is to improve the patient’s ability to sit up straight and maintain balance. After this, the patient may progress standing and walking exercises. Robotic physical therapy devices are used to provide controlled movements and support during these exercises, improving their effectiveness.

• Standing and Walking Exercises:

Standing and walking exercises are performed to improve the patient’s ability to stand and walk. These exercises are designed to improve balance, coordination, and strength. The impact of these exercises is to improve mobility and independence. Robotic physical therapy devices are used to provide support and assistive movements during these exercises.

• Balance Exercises for Patients with Balance Disorders:

Balance exercises are performed to improve the patient’s sense of balance. These exercises are designed to challenge the patient’s balance and improve their ability to maintain stability. The impact of these exercises is to improve balance and reduce the risk of falls. Robotic physical therapy devices can be used to provide controlled movements and support during these exercises.

• Ergotherapy or Occupational Therapy:

Ergotherapy is a person-centered health profession that improves health and well-being through meaningful and purposeful activities.  Ergotherapists aim to make the individual independent and self-sufficient in his daily life.  Ergotherapy achieves this goal by giving the person the ability to do daily life activities or by modifying the activities and environment.

• Respiratory Therapy:

Respiratory therapy is performed to strengthen the respiratory muscles and improve lung function. The impact of this exercise is to improve breathing and reduce the risk of respiratory complications.

• Swallowing Exercises:

Swallowing exercises are performed to improve the patient’s ability to swallow safely. These exercises are designed to strengthen the muscles used in swallowing and improve coordination. The impact of these exercises is to improve the patient’s ability to eat and drink without the risk of choking or aspiration.

• Speech Therapy:

Speech therapy is performed to improve the patient’s ability to communicate effectively. These exercises are designed to improve speech clarity, voice quality, and language comprehension. The impact of these exercises is to improve communication and quality of life.

• Muscle Stiffness Exercises:

Muscle stiffness exercises are performed to prevent spasticity. Medication and rest splints can also be used to prevent spasticity. If these treatments are not sufficient, botulinum toxin injections can be applied. The impact of this exercise is to reduce muscle stiffness and improve mobility.

• Robotic Rehabilitation:

Robotic rehabilitation, added to traditional physical therapy applications, increases the patient’s participation in the treatment and accelerates the recovery process.  Commonly used robotic rehabilitation devices are robotic bed, walking robot, hand arm robot and non-gravity treadmill.