Stroke / CVA
Physical Therapy for Stroke/CVA
A stroke is a cerebral vascular accident (CVA) that occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked. Strokes often result in difficulty moving one side of your body and affect overall cognitive skills. Common symptoms experienced due to a stroke include:
Muscle weakness
Increased tone and spasticity
Fatigue and decreased endurance
Decreased sensation and numbness
Foot drop
Decreased balance and coordination
Decreased confidence in completing your daily routine
Increased fall risk
Whether your CVA is diagnosed as either acute or chronic, the effects can range from mild to catastrophic. For each case, movement and physical therapy are key to regaining lost function and confidence.
Rediscover your life…in balance
Neuro-focused physical therapy targets the symptoms you may experience with a stroke or CVA to improve movement and endurance.
How does Balance Back to Life PT help our clients who have had a stroke?
As part of your recovery team, stroke rehabilitation programs include physical therapy to help the brain resume function or reorganize to “takeover” damaged areas. Common treatments we implement to target and improve post-stroke symptoms include:
Strength training
Energy and endurance improvement
Tone management
Balance improvement and confidence
Coordination and motor control improvement (with/without FES)
Improving cognitive skills
A return to walking using assistive device management
Assessing, recommending, and assisting with bracing and technology as needed
Through individualized treatment programs created by our skilled neurological specialists, we can help you reach your specific goals.
What is the frequency and length of physical therapy for a stroke?
Balance Back to Life PT allots a full 60-minute, hands-on session to allow for more complex and individualized treatment. Depending on the severity of the stroke, the overall treatment plan, and your goals, we generally recommend PT twice a week for 3-4 months. Included in your neurological-based physical therapy treatment plan is a personalized, detailed home exercise program to build on daily improvement while providing you with the confidence and improvement you want.
We are here to help you on this journey as you balance back to life!