A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted, this can either be a result of a blockage (ischaemic) or bleed (haemorrhagic).
A stroke occurring on one side of the brain primarily affects the opposite side of the body, leading to muscle weakness, sensation change, spasticity, pain and paralysis, and can also impact on cognition. A stroke on the left side of the brain often affects the ability to speak and communicate.
According to statistics compiled by the Stroke Association, stroke strikes every five minutes, meaning that 100,000 people in the UK have strokes each year and there are 1.3 million stroke survivors in the UK.
Many people recover quickly from stroke and do not require any further physiotherapy after discharge from NHS services, however, others experience ongoing disability, and this is where PhysioFunction’s services come in.
PhysioFunction for stroke rehabilitation
PhysioFunction is a specialist neurological rehabilitation centre with expert physiotherapists, sport therapists, occupational therapists and orthotists, all highly experienced in the treatment of stroke survivors. PhysioFunction employ the Rehabilitation Triad, which involves a combination of hands-on therapy, exercise and technology to optimise rehabilitation and maximise the chances of recovery.
Physiotherapy for stroke
Hands-on therapy involves our therapists using our hands to facilitate movement with the aim of improving postural alignment, muscle activation and independent function.
Exercise for stroke
Exercise is a key component of any rehabilitation programme and is essential to ‘cement’ progression. In some cases, this may be engaging in high level cardiovascular activities such as cycling, walking and even running, and in others working on exercises specifically selected by our team that are within the capabilities of the client and designed to target their own individual difficulties.
Rehabilitation technology for stroke
Our centre is located in the beautiful Northamptonshire countryside, surrounded by fields on all sides, and filled with state-of-the art rehabilitation technology that is designed to enhance the rehabilitation experience of our clients, from virtual reality software, to electrical stimulation systems for the arm and leg and robotic exoskeletons to aid in the recovery of walking.
Our technology is a mix of ‘in-clinic’ and ‘take-home’ equipment, allowing clients to continue their rehabilitation independently, or with assistance, at home.
Evidence states that intensive rehabilitation of 20 hours per week within the first six months provides the optimal chance of recovery. Beyond six months, continued therapy can help with managing pain, improving range of motion and building muscle strength, which in turns helps with activities at home, such as dressing, cooking and walking in the community.
At PhysioFunction we work with our client and the wider MDT to design an effective rehabilitation programme to suit their individual needs, whether this is intensive daily attendance at our centre, or we prescribe and support a rehabilitation programme to be performed at home or at a gym or fitness centre close to home, or somewhere in between.
