| In order for a stroke victim to recover fully from | | | | 2. Mobility training which involves using walking aids |
| stroke, rehabilitation is an important part of | | | | to help patient to relearn how to walk. |
| recovery. The length of rehabilitation depends on | | | | 3. Communication therapy session to help patient |
| the severity of the stroke. Some patients need | | | | regain lost abilities in speaking, writing and listening. |
| months or even years to recover fully, while | | | | 4. Motion therapy to help patient loosens tension |
| some recover very quickly. | | | | in muscle and regain range of motion. |
| For a stroke victim, getting back on his feet is | | | | 5. Psychology therapy to help patient to regain |
| most probably his top concern after a stroke. | | | | confidence and stay away from depression which |
| After stroke, the lifestyle of the patient changes | | | | damage recovery. |
| completely. Things that are easy to do in the past | | | | As I have mentioned earlier, stroke rehab should |
| seem impossible now. Therefore, one of the | | | | begin while the patient is still in the hospital. The |
| objectives of a rehabilitation program is to help | | | | hospital has social workers and care team to take |
| the patient relearn skills and gain back his | | | | care of the patient and help him through the |
| confidence once again. Participating in a | | | | rehab program. The patient can choose to use |
| rehabilitation program helps the patient to regain | | | | the inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation units. For |
| independence and improve his quality of life. | | | | inpatient rehabilitation unit, the patient will stay at |
| After a stroke, the patient should begin attending | | | | the facility for several weeks as part of an |
| rehabilitation program immediately once his medical | | | | intensive rehab program. For outpatient unit, the |
| condition has been stabilized. The later the patient | | | | patient will use the facilities located inside of a |
| attends the rehab program, the longer it takes | | | | hospital or clinic and spend several hours a day |
| him to recover from stroke. The rehab program | | | | relearning skills before returning home each night. |
| should start during his hospital stay. | | | | Stroke rehab should not stop after inpatient |
| So what is involved in a stroke rehab? A typical | | | | outpatient rehabilitation program. The patient |
| stroke rehab program includes some or all of the | | | | should continue to have therapy at home to |
| following therapies: | | | | ensure a faster road to full recovery. Another |
| 1. Regain or strengthen motor skills. After a | | | | way to help a stroke patient to recover faster is |
| stroke, the patient loses his motor skills. The | | | | to take stroke medication. There are many |
| rehab program involves using exercises to help | | | | advanced medications today that help patients to |
| improve his muscles strength and coordination. | | | | recover from stroke. |