Blog
BLOG
Gravity: Stroke Recovery’s Worst Enemy
Stroke is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, but when stroke doesn’t claim lives, it changes them forever. Loss of blood – and, therefore, oxygen – to the brain almost always results in neurological damage. Though each patient’s symptoms are unique, loss of movement, strength, and coordination are common after stroke. Fortunately, some of this damage can be undone. After stroke, rehabilitation is the most important factor in determining long-term outcomes. Patients may regain independence by retraining their brains and bodies, and many experts are now trained to help them do just that. There is one inescapable force...
Stroke Recovery: Problems and Solutions
There is a lot of frustration among stroke survivors about “the system” when it comes to stroke recovery and rehab efforts after stroke. Most of the complaints revolve around three issues: 1. There’s not enough therapy. 2. Clinicians are not well-trained in stroke rehab. 3. Researchers don’t seem to have a clue about what drives recovery. The following are possible explanations for these (legitimate) gripes. 1. Not Enough Therapy No argument here – this is true. Managed care should take note. Every bit of clinical research points to a “more is better” perspective. There are some caveats, of course. For instance, rehab that is too intensive too soon after the...
Stroke Rehab vs. Stroke Recovery
First, let’s distinguish the differences between stroke rehab and stroke recovery because they are two distinct terms. Stroke Rehab… requires a rehab clinician. falls under the rules of managed care. is a commodity that is bought and sold, sometimes with several players taking their cut. almost always benefits recovery. Stroke Recovery… does not necessarily require a rehab clinician. is not a commodity beyond “sweat equity.” Here is a Venn diagram of the relationship between rehabilitation and recovery: Stroke rehab is just one part of stroke recovery, but far too often stroke survivors equate the two. This is an error that therapists should discourage. How does this common mistake occur? It has to do with the predictable post-stroke “arc of...
Specialist Services for Stroke Rehabilitation
Specialist Services for Stroke Rehabilitation Strokes can change the way people live their lives forever. Because the brain controls all of the body’s movements, brain damage often manifests as loss of movement and strength in one side of the body. However, this loss doesn’t have to be permanent. While the severity of stroke and speed of treatment play essential roles in determining a patient’s symptoms, stroke rehabilitation is the most important factor in determining a patient’s long-term outcome. Stroke rehabilitation can begin as early as two days after a stroke with recovery exercises or treatments that are integrated into a patient’s stroke treatment plan. Doctors...
