Following a stroke, physical therapy is essential to help stroke survivors regain strength, coordination, balance, and motor control as well as address stroke-related physiological impairments through a supervised and customized exercise program. A stroke occurs when the blood flow to an area of the brain is decreased, obstructed, or stopped, which deprives the brain cells of oxygen, causing cell death. Physical therapists help stroke survivors optimize their function after the stroke, enhance their level of independence, and improve their quality of life. Check out our infographic on the benefits of physical therapy after a stroke!

Physical therapy is critical after a stroke to regain strength, coordination, balance, motor control, and function. A stroke occurs when blood flow to an area of the brain is cut off, depriving the brain cells of oxygen and leading to physical and cognitive impairments. Using a targeted exercise rehabilitation program early in the post-stroke recovery period, a physical therapist can help stroke survivors relearn basic motor skills, maximize their functional abilities, enhance their independence, and improve their quality of life.

In the United States, a stroke occurs every 40 seconds and can have long-lasting effects on a person’s movement, coordination, vision, speech, cognition, and emotional processing. A stroke occurs when blood flow in the brain is blocked or bleeds. It is therefore imperative that stroke survivors receive intensive rehabilitative care in the 3 months post-stroke to maximize their recovery and improve their quality of life. Physical therapists play a critical role in stroke recovery, helping stroke survivors maximize their functional abilities, relearn basic skills, and improve quality of life.