Physical Therapy Improves Your Quality of Life After Stroke

A stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain is blocked or ruptured. This can interrupt blood flow to your brain cells, causing these cells to die. Depending on where the blood flow is stopped, you might have issues with speech, moving or even memory after a stroke.

Most stroke patients can benefit from physical therapy in the days, weeks and months after their stroke. According to numerous studies, help from a certified physical therapist can have huge benefits on your quality of life, including:

Lower Risk for Depression

More than 30% of stroke survivors experience depression after the event. But physical therapy has been shown to reduce the risk of depression by 43%, especially when you start physical therapy quickly after your stroke. Patients in physical therapy were reported to have higher levels of endorphins, hormones related to happiness and lowered stress and pain.

Improved Function

Right after your stroke, your brain is healing. Starting physical therapy early can help you take advantage of this healing time and improve your ability to walk, stand and move after your stroke. Physical therapists help with big movements of your arms and legs as well as your balance. Improved function also lowers your risk for depression after stroke and helps you return to work and activities you enjoy.

Increased Social Support

Many patients feel that physical therapy gives them improved social support. The support of your therapist as well as other stroke patients can help you feel you have a community rallying around you as you work to regain both mental and physical abilities after your stroke. Having someone at home, such as a family member and friend, who can coach you through at-home exercises is also a great way to feel supported.

At Bon Secours In Motion, we offer outpatient physical therapy for people who have experienced a stroke. You may begin inpatient physical therapy in the hospital immediately after your stroke or even spend time in an inpatient rehabilitation facility. But outpatient physical therapy can continue to help you once you return home. Many patients benefit from physical therapy for a year or longer after their stroke.

You can rely on our knowledgeable and experienced physical therapists to help you improve your quality of life after a stroke. We use personalized exercise plans to help you recover from your stroke. If you are ready to improve your quality of life after a stroke, please contact Bon Secours In Motion.