Regaining Control: How Neuro Physiotherapy Accelerates Stroke Recovery
Neuro physiotherapists specialize in working with individuals who have neurological conditions such as stroke, head/brain injury, spinal cord injury, Parkinson’s disease and etc. Their goal is to improve movement, strength, functionality, and mobility. They also provide essential support and advice to help patients manage their conditions and cope with related challenges.
Neuro physiotherapy is a specialized branch of physiotherapy that employs expert manual therapy techniques, handling, and exercise programs to manage neurological disorder symptoms. Rehabilitation can be short-term or long-term, and it can occur in a physiotherapy clinic or within the patient’s home.
What Happens During a Stroke?
A stroke occurs when the brain’s blood supply is interrupted, leading to oxygen deprivation in brain cells. This deprivation causes some cells to die and others to become damaged.
There are two main types of stroke:
- Ischaemic Stroke: Caused by a blockage in the blood supply to the brain, often due to a blood clot.
- Haemorrhagic Stroke: Occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bursts and bleeds, causing additional damage.
A Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA), or mini-stroke, is a temporary stroke that lasts less than 24 hours. It requires prompt medical attention as it indicates a risk of a major stroke in the future.
Symptoms of Stroke
Stroke symptoms vary depending on the affected brain area but commonly include:
- Weakness or paralysis on one side of the body
- Heaviness and difficulty moving the affected side
- Facial drooping
- Speech and swallowing difficulties
- Loss of muscle coordination and balance
- Brief vision loss
- Severe headache
- Confusion
- Potential loss of consciousness
The Role of Neuro Physiotherapy in Stroke Recovery
The severity of a stroke influences recovery potential, but physiotherapy aims to maximize this potential. The brain’s ability to adapt (neuroplasticity) means that timely and appropriate physiotherapy can significantly improve both physical and mental outcomes.
Often, the unaffected side of the body becomes dominant to compensate for the weaker side. Neuro physiotherapy focuses on enhancing the functionality of the affected side, improving movement, coordination, balance, and overall function.
Personalized Rehabilitation at Prohealth Physio Focus
Specialist neuro physiotherapists at Prohealth Physio Focus perform thorough assessments of individuals and their symptoms immediately after a stroke and continuously throughout the rehabilitation process. In collaboration with the patient and their family or carers, we develop a personalized rehabilitation plan tailored to the individual’s needs and goals.
By leveraging expert knowledge and techniques, neuro physiotherapists play a crucial role in the recovery journey, helping stroke patients regain their independence and quality of life.
Written By: Shermi Chew, Physiotherapist
Shermi graduated with a B.Sc. (Hons) in Physiotherapy (Singapore). With a passion and motivation to optimize her patient’s quality of life through physiotherapy, Shermi has dedicated herself to journey alongside her patients with attentiveness and compassion to regain their functions to the fullest extent.
Among 9 years of experience, Shermi spent 4 years specializing in neuro-rehabilitation. She worked extensively and proficiently with patients suffering from stroke, spinal cord injuries, and different neuro-muscular diseases. Additionally, she is adeptly trained in the assessment and management of patients with vestibular pathology.
She has established a strong foundation in acute rehabilitation wards in public hospitals and outpatient physiotherapy clinics where she is committed to providing the best of care to all her patients.
