What types of physical therapy might be used for a post stroke patient?
The type of physical therapy a patient would receive after having a stroke would depend upon the level of involvement of the problem. Your attending physical therapist would start with an evaluation of the problem and chart a course for recovery. With a stroke there could be loss of strength, range of motion, balance, walking ability, sensation loss, and speech difficulties. Your therapist will work with you on retraining, stretching, and strengthening areas that are weak or tight to improve the function loss that occurred. The therapist would work with the patient with specific exercises to improve all those areas mentioned that have had loss of function.
