Rehabilitation after a stroke is an important part of the treatment for the complete recovery of a patient. Post-stroke rehabilitation programs are specially designed for each patient with the help of a team that involves a neurosurgeon, physical therapist, occupational therapist, and speech therapist. Rehabilitation can be different for each patient because it is designed according to the impairment caused by brain stroke. Rehabilitation after a stroke is necessary to improve the quality of life of patients. It also improves the ability of patients to perform the activities of daily living independently. After a stroke, patients face many complications depending on the part of the brain damaged during the attack. For example, a stroke may complicate the situation of a patient by affecting the ability to speak, communicate, walk, and stand. Rehabilitation works on the disabilities of patients and makes them able to perform these tasks with greater ease. Rehabilitation also improves the psychological health of patients by engaging the patient in activities that satisfy and motivate the patient. Rehabilitation can recover the patient completely but it takes time. Some patients can take several months to years to complete recovery because recovery depends on the damaged part of the brain and the condition of the patient before starting the rehabilitation exercises.
Types of Post Stroke Rehabilitation Treatment India
Some of the types of rehabilitation programs after stroke may include:
- Physical Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Speech Therapy
- Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT)
- Robot-Assisted Therapy
- Aquatic Therapy
- Community Reintegration Programs
- Support Groups and Counseling
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy involves some exercises that focus on improving the ability of patients to move and participate in activities independently. In this treatment, physiotherapists work on the strength and balance of patients through exercises and other techniques.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapists work with patients to improve their tasks for daily living, such as dressing, cooking, and bathing.
Speech Therapy
The patients whose speech is affected after the brain attack, speech therapy is required to regain the ability of speech. It improves the communication skills of patients.
Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT)
CIMT is one of the techniques used in rehabilitation. In this, the unaffected side of the patient is restricted and the patient is encouraged to do the task with the affected side of the body. It helps the patient to return to normal life.
Robot-Assisted Therapy
In some cases, robotic devices are used to help the patient in repetitive and more accurate movements for the rehabilitation of arms and legs.
Aquatic Therapy
In aquatic therapy, exercises are performed in a pool of water. The force of water can help to perform the task with assistance or resistance.
A community reintegration program is a type of rehabilitation program that focuses on helping patients with stroke. They help the patient to go back to their normal life and daily routines.
Support Groups and Counseling
Support and counseling are important for the patient with a disease. Support groups in rehabilitation programs provide emotional and psychological support for both stroke patients and their families.
Goals of Post Stroke Rehabilitation
Some of the purposes and goals for rehabilitation after a stroke are described below:
Regaining Independence in Daily Life
The primary goal of rehabilitation is to help individuals restore their ability to perform everyday tasks like dressing, bathing, and eating without the help of others.
Enhancing Mobility
Rehabilitation helps to improve mobility in patients by solving issues such as muscle weakness, paralysis, and balance problems.
Restoring Communication Abilities
Speech and language therapy is used to improve the communication skills of a patient.
Cognitive Function Improvement
Rehabilitation improves the functions of patients like memory, ability to solve a problem, and attention to improve thinking and decision-making skills.
Complication Prevention
Rehabilitation programs also reduce the effects of complications after stroke. For example, exercises prevent the formation of blood clots in the blood vessels and reduce the chances of bed sores.
Pain Management
Exercises and modalities used during rehabilitation also improve the pain after stroke. Pain management is one of the major parts of the rehabilitation program.
Elevating Quality of Life
The purpose of rehabilitation exercises is to improve the overall quality of life of patients. It helps the patient to perform different tasks with maximum independence and minimum help from others.
Recurrence Prevention
Education of individuals on lifestyle changes and medications is also included in rehabilitation to lower the risk of another stroke.
This program enables patients with stroke to manage tasks such as cooking, transportation, and financial responsibilities independently.
Adapting to Assistive Devices
Physiotherapists help individuals during a treatment session to use assistive devices like wheelchairs, and walkers more effectively.
Another goal of rehabilitation is to facilitate the return of patients to their communities which includes engagement in work or social activities.
Empowering Self-Management
Rehabilitation also provides stroke survivors with knowledge about the risk factors of stroke and self-management strategies to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Cost of Post Stroke Rehabilitation in India
The cost of Post Stroke Rehabilitation in India ranges from 1323 USD to 1827 USD. The cost can vary according to the number of treatment sessions required after a stroke. The cost can also vary if home-based rehabilitation is required for severely ill patients.
Post-Stroke Rehabilitation : 1300 USD - 1900 USD
Indications of Post-Stroke Rehabilitation
Some of the conditions in which rehabilitation is necessary after a stroke are as follows:
- Weakness on one side of the body
- Paralysis on one side of the body
- Difficulties in Language and communication
- Difficulty in eating
- Loss of ability to plan a task
- Inability to see clearly
- Loss of coordination and balance
- Inability to recognize one side of space
- Muscle stiffness and tightness
- Difficulty with Memory and thinking
- Emotional instability
- Fatigue
- Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction
- Loss of sensations
- Depression after stroke
Contraindications of Post-Stroke Rehabilitation
Some of the conditions in which rehabilitation should not be performed are as follows:
- Unstable Medical Condition
- Active Infections
- Recent Major Surgery
- Severe Cardiac Issues
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Severe weakness of bones
- Untreated Seizures
- Severe Contractures or Joint Deformities
- Severe Skin Infections or Open Wounds
- Inability to Follow Instructions
- Lack of Motivation or Cooperation
 Joy Dev Mukherji.webp)
06/22/2024
