Perfect Therapy for Post Stroke Patients
Recovering from a stroke is challenging, but having the right dosage of therapy can make a difference. Whether it is regaining movement, improving balance, or relearning everyday tasks, physiotherapy helps stroke survivors to reclaim their life with adaptations.
If you or a loved one is on the road to recovery, finding the best therapy is crucial.
Why Stroke Therapy Matters
Define Stroke : ischemia and hemorrhagic
Ischemic stroke: Happens due to lack of blood flow into the brain. This can be either thrombotic or embolic ischemic stroke.
- Thrombotic event: Blood flow to the brain is obstructed within the blood vessel due to a thrombus (clot) within the vessel itself, usually secondary to atherosclerotic disease, arterial dissection, fibromuscular dysplasia, or inflammatory conditions.
- Embolic event: Debris from elsewhere in the body blocks blood flow through the affected vessel. The source of emboli can be the proximal artery, such as an atherosclerotic plaque in the internal carotid artery, causing an artery-to-artery embolic stroke distally from any proximal source, commonly from the heart. (Hui et al., 2024)
Hemorrhagic stroke: Happens due to bleeding within the brain by ruptured blood vessels. It can be further differentiated in Intracerebral Hemorrhage (ICH) and Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (SAH).
- The primary injury is due to the compression of brain tissue by the hematoma and an increase in the intracranial pressure(ICP).
- Secondary injury is contributed to by inflammation, disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), edema, overproduction of free radicals such as reactive oxygen species (ROS), glutamate-induced excitotoxicity, and release of hemoglobin and iron from the clot. (Unnithan et al., 2023).
A stroke affects mobility, speech, cognitive functions, coordination and sometimes, mood and personality also changes. Without providing timely therapy, muscle weakness, stiffness, and coordination issues can persist and reduce the patient’s quality of life. Stroke rehabilitation is designed to rebuild strength, retrain the brain, and restore function. The earlier therapy begins, the better the chances of improvement. Having said that, chronic stroke rehabilitation can still greatly impact a patient’s life in terms of maintaining physical fitness and alleviate post stroke pain and sensitivity that might occur in some patients.
The golden period
For stroke patients, the first 3 – 6 months since onset is crucial for their recovery of function. Active rehabilitation can help to minimise disability and maximise the patient’s recovery.
Take control of your recovery today. Call (95) 9750 4888, WhatsApp us, or email hello@kjtherapysg.com to book your consultation. The sooner you start, the sooner you regain your strength!
Recommended Stroke Therapy for Recovery
Every stroke survivor’s journey is different. A tailored approach to therapy ensures the best results. The guiding principle in most stroke therapy is the use of the ICF model.
Here are some of the most effective and evidenced based stroke rehabilitation methods:
Recommended Stroke Therapy for Recovery
Every stroke survivor’s journey is different. A tailored approach to therapy ensures the best results. The guiding principle in most stroke therapy is the use of the ICF model.
Here are some of the most effective and evidenced based stroke rehabilitation methods:
1. Physiotherapy: Regaining Strength and Mobility
Physiotherapy is the one of the backbone of stroke recovery. It focuses on movement, balance, coordination, sensory and strengthening.
Through guided exercises, therapists help patients regain some level of function in affected limbs, reduce muscle stiffness, and improve overall mobility. Simple movements like standing, walking, and lifting can become easier over time with regular sessions.
Some common physiotherapy exercises for stroke recovery include:
- Passive and Active Limb Movements
This is to prevent stiffness and encourage strength development throughout the range of movement at the initial phase. - Weight-Bearing Exercises
This is to improve balance and walking stability that will provide proprioceptive feedback to the brain. Stroke essentially requires re-education of body awareness and re-learning of multiple domains within the human body. - Mirror Therapy
This is a technique that helps the brain rewire itself to improve movement on the affected side. This is done by seeing an image of the intact hand or leg moving via the mirror while attempting to move the affected hand or leg at the same time. - Repetitions Task Practice
Neuroplasticity occurs
Define neuroplasticity - Functional Training (Specificity)
- Gait retraining
Most people who suffered a massive stroke would demonstrate some form of muscle or motor deficits which affects their walking pattern. So therapy would help to retrain and strengthen what is lacking, this would reduce any possibility of fall risk and allows them to walk in community safely. - Postural Training
- Body Awareness
- Spatial Awareness training
- Pain Management
- Sensory Re-education
Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES): Boosting Muscle Function
For stroke survivors with limited movement, NMES uses electrical impulses to stimulate weak muscles.
This helps improve muscle control, reduce stiffness, and enhance strength. Combined with physiotherapy, NMES can speed up recovery.
Hydrotherapy: Gentle Yet Effective Recovery
Exercising in water reduces strain on joints and muscles while providing resistance for strength training.
Hydrotherapy sessions help stroke survivors improve balance, coordination, and flexibility in a low-impact environment.
Some benefits of hydrotherapy include:
- Buoyancy reduces gravity thus making it easier to move weakened limbs.
- Warm water relaxes muscles, helping reduce stiffness and spasticity.
- Improved cardiovascular endurance, leading to better overall fitness as it gets easier to move
- Improved mental regulation from the warmth temperature of water
Read more: Suitable Exercises for Post-Stroke Patients
2. Occupational Therapy: Relearning Everyday Tasks
Stroke survivors often struggle with daily activities such as dressing, eating, and writing. Occupational therapy helps retrain these skills, making life easier. Therapists introduce adaptive techniques and tools to help individuals regain their independence.
For example, a therapist might recommend:
- Hand-Strengthening Exercises
This is to improve grip and fine motor skills. To improve hand function for everyday life. - Assistive Devices
This is to make everyday tasks easier. Such as special cutlery, dressing aids, and writing tools. - Memory and Cognitive Training
This is to help with memory, problem-solving, and decision-making skills affected by the stroke. Higher level cognitive training requires - Activity adaptations and exploration
To suggest alternative arrangements or modification that allows the patient to be able to continue doing the things that they used to love - Activities of daily living retraining and Instrumental activities of daily living (IADL)
Retrain the skills involved to manage either one hand or in a modified way of doing daily activities to maximise their independence in life - Leisure/Hobbies Exploration
- Work Hardening
- Environmental Modification
- Equipment Prescription
Explore deeper: Role of occupational therapy after stroke
3. Speech Therapy: Improving Communication and Language
Many stroke patients experience difficulties with speech, swallowing, and understanding of language. Speech therapy focuses on strengthening oral muscles, improving pronunciation, and restoring communication skills.
Techniques used in speech therapy include:
- Tongue and Mouth Exercises
To regain muscle control for clearer speech. - Word Association Training
To rebuild vocabulary and sentence formation. - Swallowing Therapy
To prevent choking and improve eating safety.
For those with severe speech impairment, therapists introduce alternative communication methods like gestures for assistive devices.
How Long Does Stroke Therapy Take?
Recovery time will vary. Some regain mobility within months, while others may take longer. The key is consistency and persistence.
Regular therapy sessions, combined with home exercises may lead to steady progress. While full recovery may not always be possible, therapy will significantly improve quality of life and equip patients with self management skills to manage their stroke condition.
Need physiotherapy sessions at home? Our home physiotherapy service brings expert care to you, helping you recover comfortably and effectively. Contact us today to learn more.
What Affects Stroke Recovery? Overcome These Challenges for Better Results.
Recovery after a stroke is different for everyone. Several factors can influence how quickly and effectively a person regains mobility and independence.
Understanding these challenges can help stroke survivors and their families navigate the recovery journey more effectively.
Key Factors That Impact Stroke Recovery
- Age and Overall Health
Younger and healthier individuals often recover faster. However, older patients with multiple chronic conditions can still see significant progress with therapy given time and consistency. - Severity of Stroke
A mild stroke may allow quicker recovery. A severe stroke, on the other hand, requires a longer rehabilitation period. - Consistency of Therapy
Regular therapy sessions are essential for steady progress. - Support System
Having family, friends, and therapists offering encouragement can make a big difference. - Mental and Emotional Resilience
Staying motivated and positive plays a crucial role in overcoming setbacks. Self – limiting beliefs will impact the recovery.
Ways to Overcome Stroke Recovery Challenges
- Set S.M.A.R.T. goals
- Specific – The goal set with the client should be tailored to the needs and demand of the client.
- Measurable – Being able to objectively measure the improvement and be accounted for.
- Achievable – And the goal should be attainable and incremental to work towards with appropriate level of challenge given in each therapy.
- Relevant – It should also be of a purpose to them. E.g. Being able to water the plants while standing.
- Time – bound – Lastly, a timeline should be set to revisit and revise whenever needed. Whether to tick it off or to change the goal to tailor to the client’s needs.
Progress is progress so do celebrate the small improvements to stay motivated. Being able to set progress goals with your therapist also makes the recovery journey worthwhile and enriching.
- Use Assistive Technology
Devices like robotic exoskeletons and mobility aids can enhance therapy.
- Follow a Structured Rehabilitation Plan
A well-designed therapy programme ensures steady and safe progress.
- Seek Professional Support
Experienced physiotherapists and allied health professionals can provide a holistic approach in stroke rehabilitation
Reclaim your mobility with stroke therapy and rehabilitation. Our advanced therapy, including robotic exoskeletons, helps you move with confidence again. Call (95) 9750 4888, WhatsApp us, or email hello@kjtherapysg.com to learn more or start your recovery today.
Read more: What is Exoskeleton Therapy?
Choosing the Right Stroke Therapy and Rehabilitation Centre
Not all therapy centres offer the same level of care. When choosing a stroke rehabilitation facility, consider:
- Qualified and Experienced Physiotherapists
Look for therapists who specialise in stroke recovery. Their expertise ensures the right techniques are used to maximise rehabilitation progress. - Personalised Treatment Plans
Every stroke survivor has unique needs. A good rehabilitation centre will assess individual conditions and design tailored therapy plans for better rehabilitation outcomes. - Comprehensive Facilities and Equipment
The availability of advanced rehabilitation equipment, such as robotic exoskeletons, can significantly enhance recovery. A well-equipped centre offers varied therapy options and an extra tool set to treatment techniques. - Supportive and Encouraging Environment
Recovery is not just physical, it is also mental and emotional. A positive and motivating atmosphere helps patients stay committed and empower patients to their own rehabilitation progress.
- Accessibility and Convenience
Choosing a centre close to home reduces travel stress and ensures consistency in attending therapy sessions. This also reduced no show rate and ensured progress would not be stalled or disrupted as much as possible.
Discover how our expert rehabilitation can help you regain strength and independence. Come explore our services today.
The Future of Stroke Recovery: Robotic Exoskeleton Therapy at KJ Therapy
Being able to walk or regain the sense of walking with the help of robotics, KJ Therapy offers cutting-edge, HSA-certified robotic exoskeleton therapy designed to help stroke survivors regain mobility faster.
This advanced technology supports and guides natural movement, making rehabilitation more effective and engaging.
How Does Robotic Exoskeleton Therapy Work?
Robotic exoskeletons provide mechanical assistance to weakened limbs, helping patients relearn proper walking patterns. Unlike traditional therapy, this technology:
- Enhances Movement Accuracy
Sensors and motors adjust to individual needs.
- Reduces Effort and Strain
It makes rehabilitation sessions more productive and increases the safety component of therapy with patients that require maximum effort to walk.
- Encourages Neural Recovery
This is done by increasing the step counts and repetition that were unable to achieve in overground walking at times due to fatigue from patients or extreme weakness post stroke.
Proven Benefits of Robotic Exoskeleton Therapy
Insert research article
Studies show that robotic-assisted therapy can:
- Improve walking speed and endurance.
- Reduce fall risks by improving balance.
- Strengthen muscles through guided movement.
If you are looking for an innovative approach to stroke therapy and rehabilitation, our robotic exoskeleton could be the breakthrough you need. Reach out to us today and find out how we can help you in your recovery journey.
Read more: What are the Advantages of Exoskeleton?
Take the First Step Towards Recovery
The right stroke therapy can make all the difference. Whether it is physiotherapy, occupational therapy, or hydrotherapy, every session brings you closer to regaining independence.
Reference list
Hui, C., Tadi, P., Suheb, M. Z. K., & Patti, L. (2024, April 20). Ischemic Stroke. StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499997/
Unnithan, A. K. A., Das, J. M., & Mehta, P. (2023, May 8). Hemorrhagic Stroke. StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559173/
Explore Our Product
Take a look at our collection of exoskeleton robot and devices that are focused in helping stroke patient back up on their feet.