This week marks National Stroke Week (7 August – 13 August 2023) to encourage the community to fight stroke together.
It is important to recognise when someone is experiencing a stroke, as the longer a stroke goes untreated the more damage can be done.
What is a stroke?
A stroke is a medical condition, where the blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted or reduced.
There are 2 main types of strokes:
- Ischaemic stroke
- Haemorrhagic stroke
Signs of a stroke
Acronym ‘𝐅𝐀𝐒𝐓’ is a simple way to remember the common signs of a stroke to increase responsiveness to ack quickly.
F: Face Dropping 😔
A: Arm Weakness 💪🏽
S: Speech Difficulty 🗣️
T: Time to call emergency services 🚨
Impairments post-stroke
- Weakness/paralysis to one side or loss of sensation
- Loss of muscle coordination including changes to muscle tone
- Cognitive impairments
- Speech and language impairments
- Emotional and psychological impacts
How can Exercise help?
Role of Exercise
- Exercise can be used to reduce risk factors associated with strokes – prevention is key!
- Exercise to restore strength, reduce the risk of falls and increase independence
- Regaining motor skills important for ADL’s e.g. walking and improving transitional movements
- Promote neuroplasticity
Type of Exercise
- Aerobic
- Resistance
- Task specific training
The first 6 months post-stroke is the most critical! Following this, there is a plateau in motor function recovery.
Our Physiotherapists and Exercise Physiologist have extensive knowledge in the care of stroke survivors. They provide interventions to assist with regaining function, improving mobility and overall quality of life to maintain independence.
Want to make an appointment with one of our providers?
☎️ Call up one of our clinics today and our admin staff will kindly assist!