Physical Therapy Plays an Important Role After a Stroke

A stroke occurs due to cell death when there is inadequate blood flow to the brain. When the flow of blood is interrupted, brain cells are not able to receive vital supplies of nutrients and oxygen. The majority of strokes are caused by the blockage of a neck or brain artery, and the remainder are caused by a blood vessel bursting in the brain.

Over 700,000 people in the United States alone suffer a stroke each year, with two-thirds of these individuals surviving. These survivors require rehabilitation in order to improve their quality of life and become as independent as possible.

Rehabilitation can help stroke survivors relearn skills that they have lost due to brain damage that occurred when they experienced the stroke.  The most important part of rehab is the repetitive practice involved in relearning these skills.

Because physical therapists specialize in treating disabilities related to sensory and motor impairments and place a great deal of emphasis on movement, they can play an important role in assessing the stroke survivor's range of motion, endurance and strength.  In many cases, their primary role is to create individualized programs designed to help these individuals regain control over motor functions.

Physical therapists teach strategies to reduce the effect of remaining deficits, help stroke survivors regain the use of impaired limbs and establish exercise programs to help people retain the skills that they have relearned.

Allegheny Medical's therapist graduated with a Doctorate of Physical Therapy and is an active member of the American Physical Therapy Association.  Post-stroke rehabilitation is just one condition she can assist with.  For more information, visit the physical therapy page on our website or call us at (412) 494-4550.