Stroke is a debilitating medical condition that can have profound and enduring physical and psychological effects on an individual’s well-being. In the aftermath of a stroke, individuals may struggle to regain their strength and mobility, which can considerably diminish their quality of life. This is where stroke rehabilitation physiotherapy can play a vital role, as it offers a promising approach to assisting patients in recovering movements, enhancing their physical state, and decreasing their reliance on external assistance following a stroke.

If you often ask yourself, “What is the best treatment for stroke during the recovery period?” Let us tell you that there are various post-stroke rehabilitation and physiotherapy interventions available that are specifically designed for the individual and the type of stroke they have experienced. These therapies and treatments can facilitate patients in learning skills that were affected by the stroke and devising an explicit and comprehensive plan of action to guarantee favorable progress in their recuperation.

In this article, we will focus on the best ways to regain strength and mobility through stroke rehabilitation physiotherapy. We will introduce you to exercises that have been shown to be effective in improving patients’ function and boosting their confidence in performing tasks independently following a stroke. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of stroke rehabilitation physiotherapy and the various interventions available, which can help you or your loved one on their journey to recovery.

What does post-stroke physiotherapy aim to achieve?

Post-stroke physiotherapy serves the primary purpose of ensuring that the recovery process is efficient and effective, thereby enabling individuals to regain their physical movement and achieve independence in their daily lives. It also plays a crucial role in minimizing the risk of further medical complications while enhancing speech and movement, depending on the severity of the stroke.

Also, it aims to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that aligns with the necessary medical and surgical interventions to treat stroke, providing a holistic rehabilitation approach for the patient. The primary focus of physiotherapy rehabilitation interventions is to enhance motor control, learning and speech abilities, balance retraining, and functional mobility training in individuals who have suffered from a stroke. These interventions are known to have a positive impact on the mental health and overall recovery of stroke survivors, making them a crucial component of post-stroke rehabilitation.

Which exercises are recommended for effective stroke rehabilitation?

Before we delve into the recommended exercises for stroke rehabilitation, it’s worth highlighting that they draw from the innovative active-passive bilateral therapy (APBT) approach. By utilizing both affected and unaffected limbs, these exercises foster better communication between the brain’s hemispheres, which in turn promotes balance and improves hand and leg function. But that’s not all—these exercises also boost patients’ confidence and empower them to perform daily tasks with greater independence. So, without further ado, let’s take a closer look at these unique physiotherapy rehabilitation techniques and exercises:

1. Arm Stretching Exercises

Listed below are some arm stretching exercises that can help enhance your arm mobility and flexibility while recovering from a stroke:

1. Box Extension

To perform this exercise, sit on a chair with a table in front of you and place two boxes on the table. Put your hand on the box and extend your elbow, maintaining this position for a while.

2. Backward Arm Lift

Lie down on your back and grasp your wrist with your healthy hand. Lift your arms backward as far as you can and be in this position for a while.

3. Behind the Back Stretch

Hold your hemiplegic wrist with the unaffected hand and extend your hemiplegic arm behind your back using the unaffected hand. Remain in this position for as long as it feels comfortable.

4. Palm Stretch

Position your elbow on a table. Grasp your wrist with your unaffected hand and rotate your forearm with your palm facing you. Extend your elbow with your palm towards the ceiling and maintain this position for a few seconds.

5. Finger Extension

Put your hemiplegic hand on a table and stretch your fingers out with the help of your unaffected hand, maintaining this position for a while.

6. Thumb Extension

Place your hand on the table with the help of your other hand and stretch out your thumb while holding this position for a few seconds.

Note: By incorporating these arm stretching exercises into your daily routine, you can improve your arm mobility, flexibility, and range of motion while also helping to prevent muscle stiffness and enhance your overall arm health.

2. Leg Stretching Exercises

1. Seated Leg Stretch

  • Kneel on the bed with your legs bent and sit on your heels
  • Place a cushion under your buttocks and support yourself with your unaffected hand
  • Straighten your back and maintain this position

2. Chair-Assisted Leg Stretch

  • Place two chairs opposite each other
  • Place your affected leg on the chair and use your unaffected hand to press down on your knee
  • Maintain your position while leaning forward without bending your knee

3. Staircase Leg Stretch

  • Stand on the stairs while holding onto the handrail
  • Allow your heel to hang off the step’s edge, and then move it downwards
  • Extend your knee and maintain this position

4. Wall-Assisted Leg Stretch

  • Position a low-height stool against the wall and place your affected foot on it
  • Extend your knee while lowering your heel off the edge
  • Move your pelvis forward without lifting your heel, and maintain this position

Note: These exercises can be helpful for individuals recovering from the effects of stroke, but it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new exercise routine.

3. Arm Muscle Strengthening

1. Object Lifting

  • Sit on a chair and hold a bottle filled with water with both hands
  • Lift the bottle as high as possible and put it back on the table

2. Elbow Extension

  • Place your elbow (on a towel) on a table and hold a bottle filled with water in your hand
  • Lift your elbow as much as possible and bring it down with the help of your healthy hand

3. Wrist Extension

  • Place your forearm on a pillow or box with your hand hanging
  • Extend your hand as high as possible, and try to use your unaffected hand for support

4. Hand Opening

  • Place your forearm on a box with your hand hanging
  • Open your hand as much as possible with your wrist extended, and try to use your unaffected hand for support

Note: These exercises can be beneficial for strengthening arm muscles, but it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new exercise routine.

4. Leg Muscle Strengthening

1. Outward Leg Extension

  • Stand facing the wall and hold it with both hands
  • Extend your affected leg outward, ensuring it does not touch the floor, and then return to the starting position

2. Backward Leg Extension

  • Stand facing the wall and hold it with both hands
  • Move your affected leg backward without letting it touch the floor, and then bring it back to the starting position

3. Knee Extension

  • Sit comfortably on a chair with your back straight
  • Straighten your affected knee to the maximum extent possible

4. High Foot Extension

  • Sit on a chair with your back straight
  • Extend your affected knee and lift your foot as high as possible

5. Knee Bending

  • Lie on your stomach in bed
  • Bend your affected knee and bring your foot towards your buttock, then gently bend it back

6. Tiptoe Standing

  • Stand facing the wall with both hands on it and your feet apart
  • Stand on your tiptoes and then lower your heels back down

7. Toe Extension

  • Sit on a chair and place a towel under your affected knee with your foot hanging loose
  • Extend your toes as much as possible

Note: Performing these exercises may aid in strengthening leg muscles for hemiplegic patients; however, it is crucial to seek guidance from a healthcare professional prior to taking part in any new exercise regimen.

Tips for Getting Up After a Fall for Hemiplegic Patients

  1. Assume a side-sitting position: If you happen to fall, it is advisable to make a smooth transition into a side-sitting position, with the unaffected side placed near a robust chair or any other stable object.
  2. Place your affected forearm on the chair: Use your affected arm to lean on the elbow or hand while placing it on the seat of the chair.
  3. Shift weight onto your knees: Gradually shift your weight onto your knees and lift your hips until you are kneeling on the floor.
  4. Bring your unaffected foot forward: While supporting yourself with your affected arm, bring your unaffected foot forward and place it flat on the floor.
  5. Lift yourself up: Push yourself up with your unaffected arm and leg, and twist your hips towards the chair. Finally, sit on the chair.

Conclusion

Recovering from a stroke can be an arduous and challenging journey, but with the right rehabilitation and physiotherapy techniques, it is possible to regain strength and mobility. In fact, post-stroke physiotherapy plays a crucial role in helping individuals achieve independence in their daily lives while reducing the risk of further complications.

By including exercises like arm and leg stretches in their daily routine, stroke survivors can enhance their overall arm and leg health by improving their range of motion, flexibility, and muscle stiffness. However, it’s important to consult with a medical professional, such as a physiotherapist, before attempting any of these exercises.

Furthermore, one must keep in mind that stroke rehabilitation is an ongoing journey that demands patience, determination, and regularity. Having said that, with the appropriate mindset and strategy, it is attainable to experience favorable results and an improved quality of life!