Rehabilitation for Stroke

What is stroke rehabilitation? Stroke rehabilitation or "rehab" helps you regain as much independence and quality of life as possible. Rehab can help you physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually after stroke. It helps restore you to optimal health, functioning, and well-being The outlook for people who have had a stroke today is more hopeful than ever due to advances in both stroke treatment and rehabilitation. Stroke rehab works best when the patient, family, and rehab staff works together as a team. Family members must learn about physical and mental changes caused by the stroke and how to help the patient become functional again. Rehab medicine is designed to meet each person's specific needs. So, each program is different. Some general treatment components for stroke rehab programs include: Treating the basic disease and preventing complications Treating the disability and improving function Providing adaptive tools and altering the environment Teaching the patient and family and helping them adapt to lifestyle changes There are 5 main types of disabilities that stroke can cause: Paralysis or problems controlling movement, such as walking, balance, or swallowing Sensory (ability to feel touch, pain, temperature, or position) disturbances Trouble using or understanding language Thinking and memory problems Emotional disturbances Stroke rehab can help you recover from the effects of stroke, relearn skills, and develop new ways to do things. The type and extent of rehab goals depend on many variables, including: The cause, location, and severity of stroke The type and degree of any impairments and disabilities from the stroke The overall health of the patient Family and community support