lasting disability from that stroke that will affect his or her daily life . But it is essential to focus on the fact that life goes on after stroke and recovery needs to become the primary focus .
Each year in the United States , nearly 800,000 people experience a new or recurrent stroke . Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the U . S . Stroke is the leading cause of adult disability in the U . S . Good medical care and rehabilitation following a stroke are essential components of recovery and returning to the most independent lifestyle possible . Rehabilitation following a stroke may include physical therapy , occupational therapy , and , if necessary , speech therapy . Excellent rehabilitation services can go a long way in helping people recover function after stroke .
It is important to seek out a rehabilitation provider that offers experienced and certified clinical staff members and also offers up-to-date and evidencebased care for people following stroke . The compassionate and caring rehabilitation staff at PIPT goes above and beyond in aiding individuals to regain maximal function and independence following stroke .
The clinical staff holds certifications in Neurodevelopmental Treatment ( NDT ), brain injury specialization , Saebo certification and more . They utilize technologies including functional electrical stimulation , virtual reality technologies including the “ Music Glove ” for coordination and functional training of the hand , unweighted treadmill walking , and Saebo products to assist with relearning limb and hand movements and aid in adaptation training . To promote recovery of a neurologically impaired arm or leg due to stroke , the therapists also provide a variety
ABOUT TWO-THIRDS OF PEOPLE WHO
HAVE HAD A STROKE WILL HAVE SOME TYPE OF LASTING DISABILITY FROM
THAT STROKE
of evidence-based treatment approaches .
Evidence-based treatment include repetitive-task specific training drills , visual imagery with sensorimotor training through the use of mirrors , swelling reduction techniques and technologies , functional bracing , taping and orthoses , and active weightbearing through the use of skilled manual techniques .
The goal of rehabilitation after a stroke is to help people relearn movement skills and daily activity skills that they may have lost due to the stroke . Rehabilitation aims to restore people to the highest level of physical functioning and independence possible following stroke . Physical therapists work with people following stroke to strengthen muscles and movement patterns , regain the ability to walk and perform transitional movements , regain coordination of movement , and maintain or improve range of motion . Occupational therapists focus on helping people relearn strategies to perform normal daily activities including eating , getting dressed , bathing , cooking , cleaning , writing , and using their hands for functional tasks . Speech therapists focus on helping people relearn language skills such as listening , speaking , reading and writing . Speech therapists can also help people relearn how to swallow effectively if swallowing has been affected by the stroke .
I
To learn more about stroke rehabilitation , about the rehabilitation services available at PIPT , or about how you can start your journey or a loved one ’ s toward maximal recovery , call 810.603.8300 or visit PIPT ’ s website at www . piptrehab . com .
51
InnovativeHealthMag . com