“When will I be able to walk…?”
“When will I be able to speak…?”
These are questions that physical therapists are often asked by patients or their relatives, which are difficult to answer definitively. However, what can be explained more clearly is why stroke patients need physical therapy… more!!!
Stroke… and Disability
“Stroke” is a condition where the brain lacks blood or oxygen supply… causing brain tissue damage or brain disability. Patients therefore experience loss of control over their body… and in some cases, memory loss! Physical therapy helps to rehabilitate and treat early to prevent complications and reduce disability, allowing patients to return to a normal and happy life.
The Best Time for Recovery
After patients have undergone treatment and their condition stabilizes, the first 3-6 months after paralysis or hemiplegia is considered the “best time” because patients recover quickly during this period due to the brain’s natural recovery process… after which recovery slows down.
Physical Therapists… The Core of Treatment
Physical therapists are the ones who take care of and rehabilitate the patient’s physical abilities, whether it is training muscle control, muscle strength, reducing spasticity, analyzing the patient’s deficits in performing various activities, including assisting with bed mobility, as well as caring for nutrition and talking with patients to reduce stress and encourage them so they do not feel they are fighting alone.
A good mental state of the patient… leads to willingness to cooperate and consistently receive treatment. The faster the patient recovers… the more it confirms the “success” of physical therapy!
