Case study - Strokes

Stroke can be a life changing condition for you and your family with a range of different symptoms, some obvious, some hidden.  It can be a difficult and overwhelming time for all concerned.

Neurological physiotherapy can help in many ways after your stroke; from working on balance, movement, and fitness, to learning how to manage a change in your arm and addressing day to day tasks that are difficult.  We can provide information and advice on managing fatigue post stroke and how to help with any sensory changes or pain experienced.  It is important to start rehabilitation as early as possible following a stroke to give the brain and body the best chance of recovery.

A patient that was recently treated presented with shoulder pain and reduced arm movement 3 weeks after his stroke. On further questioning at the initial assessment, it was discovered that he was also experiencing sensory changes and fatigue issues which were affecting all aspects of day-to-day life.

Treatment initially focussed on reducing his shoulder pain through hands on techniques, movement  facilitation and strengthening exercises including postural work.  He was provided with information on how to manage his fatigue with advice on recognising warning signs and techniques which could help improve fatigue.  His sensation changes were also addressed through encouraging sensory input and functional use. We slowly built up his home exercise programme to include more general whole body strengthening and fitness training.  He was provided with information on how to manage his stroke long term and how important an “Exercise for Life” approach will be to aid his recovery.

Unfortunately, we cannot tell how each patient with a stroke will recover but we can advise and help you try to recover some of the movement you may have lost and educate on how to manage your stroke long term.

Day to day life, encouraging long term healthy lifestyle changes and providing a holistic approach to treatment.

If you are interested in how neurological physiotherapy could help you after your stroke, please contact us to find out more information.