Benefits of Routine Physiotherapy to Help Stroke Patients Recovery

Stroke is a condition that occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is reduced or disrupted as a result of a blockage (ischemic stroke) or rupture of blood vessels (hemorrhagic stroke). Strokes can occur suddenly and must be treated immediately. Without a blood supply, the brain will not get enough oxygen and nutrients, so cells in some areas of the brain will not function (die).

Symptoms and Causes of Stroke

Stroke generally occurs in a part of the body that is controlled by the area of the brain that is damaged. Symptoms that are commonly experienced by stroke sufferers include:

• Weakness on one side of the body (hemiparesis)
• Weakness in the facial muscles that makes one side of the face droop
• Difficulty raising both arms due to weakness or numbness
• Difficulty speaking
• Dysarthria
• Tingling
• Difficulty recognizing faces (prosopagnosia)

The causes of stroke are generally divided into two: the first is due to a blood clot in a blood vessel in the brain, and the second is caused by a rupture of a blood vessel in the brain.

Stroke Healing

Stroke management is carried out according to the type of stroke the patient is currently experiencing. Actions that can be taken range from the administration of drugs to physiotherapy and surgery. To support the recovery process of stroke patients, doctors will usually recommend physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and psychological therapy. This all aims to restore the patient's body functions so that they can return to their normal activities.

Physiotherapy Benefits

Some of the benefits that Friends of Hermina can get from post-stroke physiotherapy treatment

• Reduce pain

Not only do they have difficulty carrying out their daily activities, but stroke sufferers will also experience more pain. By doing physiotherapy, the pain will gradually improve, and it is hoped that this will relieve the pain. To overcome this pain, the therapist will use therapy using electrical stimulation, ultrasound, heat therapy, and others, depending on needs.

• Overcome muscle stiffness

Several studies have proven that spasticity, or muscle stiffness, can be cured with physiotherapy. The doctor will evaluate the patient's condition and then determine what therapy program is suitable. The doctor will give advice regarding the lifestyle that must be followed, including an effective diet pattern to deal with muscle stiffness.

• Increase the ability to move the body

One of the things that usually happens in stroke patients is the ability to move the body, such as walking, standing, smiling, moving hands, eating, talking, and others. By doing physiotherapy, this problem will gradually improve, and it is hoped that it will recover as before. Friends of Hermina can get physiotherapy at the nearest Hermina Hospital.