Stroke

A stroke is a sudden death of brain cells due to lack of oxygen, caused by either a rupture or blockage of its blood supply. It is one of the leading causes of disability. After a stroke you may find that you are more dependent on others or aids to help you function day to day, or the need to adjust your way of living so you can still lead a meaningful and enjoyable life.

Many people after surviving a stroke are told that their abilities won’t improve or that there is no further structural recovery. This is not true. No matter how long since your stroke, there is possibility of functional improvement. This can be achieved with the right intensive stroke recovery physiotherapy, support, and programs at a stroke rehab therapist. Searching for terms like “stroke physiotherapy near me” on the internet can help find a hand therapist for stroke offering intensive stroke rehab physio programs.

Common challenges:

Paralysis of muscles
Loss of sensation
Loss of vision
Inability to speak
Slowed or disordered thinking
Loss of coordination
Fatigue
Poor sleep

The role of a neurological physiotherapist in stroke:

Neurological physiotherapists are physiotherapists with additional training and expertise in treating problems related to the brain, spinal cord, inner ear, and nerves. With our understanding of neuroscience, we can help anticipate challenges and difficulties you may have related to where your stroke occurred. As your stroke rehab physiotherapist, we combine this knowledge with movement analysis and clinical reasoning, to provide you with an effective treatment approach and neurological rehabilitation program tailored to you, such as bobath therapy for stroke.

Neurological physiotherapists also have a thorough knowledge of the NDIS and how to advocate for funding and services that will optimise therapy and quality of life.

What our skilled stroke physiotherapists can offer:

Strength training
Constraint induced movement therapy
Sensation and balance retraining
Training of your postural control and transitioning between postures
Hands-on facilitation of optimal movement patterns
Soft tissue mobilisation and/or stretching for specific areas as part of a sequence of treatment
Advice on the neuroscience of skill development and transfer into your daily life
Utilise our Allied Health Assistants to increase therapy frequency when intensive periods are required, to allow optimal functional outcomes
Prescription of a home exercise program
Meet you at your home, gym or pool in our northern, eastern, southeastern and bayside suburbs of Melbourne to maximise therapy gains outside the clinic
Education on how to best support your own health and recovery

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a stroke?

A stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients. Brain cells begin to die within minutes. It’s a medical emergency, and prompt treatment is crucial to minimize brain damage and potential complications.

What causes a stroke?

Stroke can be caused by blocked arteries (ischemic stroke) or leaking or bursting of blood vessels (haemorrhagic stroke). Some people may experience only a temporary disruption of blood flow to the brain, known as a transient ischemic attack (TIA) that does not results in permanent stroke-like symptoms.

What are the symptoms of a stroke?

Symptoms of a stroke include trouble speaking and understanding what others are saying, paralysis or numbness of the face, arm, or leg, problems seeing in one or both eyes, headache, and trouble walking. Recognizing these symptoms quickly can be life-saving.

How is stroke diagnosed?

A stroke is diagnosed through several tests including physical exams, blood tests, CT scans, MRI scans, carotid ultrasound, cerebral angiogram, and echocardiogram, to understand the cause and type of stroke, which guides treatment decisions.

Can stroke be prevented?

Yes, many strokes can be prevented by managing key risk factors, including controlling high blood pressure, reducing cholesterol, quitting smoking, managing diabetes, maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise, and limiting alcohol intake.

How is stroke treated?

Treatment depends on the type of stroke. Ischemic strokes can be treated with clot-busting drugs, mechanical clot removal in some cases, and prevention of further clots. Haemorrhagic strokes involve controlling bleeding and reducing pressure in the brain, sometimes requiring surgery.

What are the long-term effects of a stroke?

Long-term effects can include paralysis, difficulty speaking or swallowing, memory loss, emotional problems, pain, and changes in behaviour and self-care ability. Rehabilitation can help regain lost abilities and adjust to any permanent changes.

What is stroke rehabilitation?

Stroke rehabilitation involves a team of healthcare professionals working to help you relearn skills that are lost when part of the brain is damaged. It can include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and support for returning to daily activities. Specialised stroke rehabilitation has a strong evidence of benefit for people after stroke and should be offered during the acute, subacute and chronic stages of recovery.

Are there support resources for stroke survivors and their families?

Yes, many organizations offer resources for stroke survivors and their families, including support groups, educational materials, and assistance with finding rehabilitation services. These resources can provide both emotional support and practical advice.

What is the outlook for someone who has had a stroke?

The outlook varies greatly depending on the stroke’s severity, the type of stroke, how quickly treatment was administered, and the rehabilitation process. Many stroke survivors experience significant recovery, while others may have lasting impairments. Early intervention and ongoing rehabilitation are key to maximizing recovery.