Is there life after a stroke? Following a stroke, many people wonder if recovery is possible. Whilst some may indeed face the risk of becoming inactive due to the event, there’s good news. An individualised rehabilitation plan can significantly aid recovery, and interventions promoting physical activity can even prevent another stroke. Even more promising, the brain possesses neuroplasticity – its ability to reorganise itself after injury. This means that not only is recovery possible, but a high quality of life post-stroke is entirely achievable.
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted, depriving it of vital oxygen and glucose. There are three primary types: Ischemic, which results from a blockage in the blood supply; Hemorrhagic, caused by the rupture or bleeding of a brain vessel; and Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), also known as a mini-stroke, where the blood supply is temporarily interrupted. Of these, Ischemic strokes are the most common, making up 80% of all cases.
In Australia, approximately 55,000 strokes occur annually, costing the healthcare system over $5 billion each year. Around half of stroke survivors will experience chronic disability, making it crucial to incorporate exercise into their rehabilitation programmes. This not only helps stroke patients regain independence in daily tasks but also contributes to a better overall quality of life.
The role of Exercise Physiology and Physiotherapy in stroke rehabilitation
After a stroke, the prospect of engaging in physical activity can understandably be daunting, especially with concerns about the risk of falling. However, the benefits of exercise cannot be overstated. Research shows that many stroke survivors experience physical deconditioning and may adopt sedentary lifestyles. Exercise can improve functional capacity, help regain independence, enhance quality of life, and reduce the risk of further cardiovascular issues.
A successful rehabilitation plan for stroke patients should focus on reducing sedentary behaviours, managing the risk of a secondary stroke, and incorporating low- to moderate-intensity aerobic exercises along with muscle-strengthening activities. This is where Physiotherapists and Exercise Physiologists can work together, employing a multidisciplinary approach to optimise patient outcomes.
How Exercise Physiologists and Physiotherapists work together for better outcomes
Whilst both Physiotherapists and Exercise Physiologists have their own unique roles in a stroke patient’s rehabilitation, their collaboration ensures more effective, comprehensive treatment and better long-term recovery.
Here are several ways they work together:
| Assessments | Together, they assess the patient’s functional abilities, strength, balance, cardiovascular fitness, range of motion, and overall health to tailor a personalised treatment plan. |
|
Exercise Prescription |
Exercise Physiologists specialise in prescribing physical activities that enhance strength, cardiovascular fitness, and endurance. By working with Physiotherapists, they design safe and effective exercise programs aligned with the patient’s rehabilitation goals. |
|
Functional Training |
Physiotherapists help stroke survivors regain balance and mobility, while Exercise Physiologists recommend exercises that mimic real-life movements, helping patients integrate learned skills into everyday activities. |
| Progress
Monitoring |
Through continuous evaluation, both professionals adjust the rehabilitation plan to optimise recovery, ensuring it evolves according to the patient’s progress. |
| Patient
Education |
Exercise Physiologists and Physiotherapists also work together to educate patients on self-management, the importance of exercise, and recovery strategies. |
Common movement problems addressed through EP and Physiotherapy for stroke patients
Stroke survivors often experience a range of movement-related issues. Physiotherapists and Exercise Physiologists can work together to address these, including:
- Weakness/paralysis on one side of the body – A stroke can impair one side, leading to difficulty with balance, standing, or walking.
- Changes in sensation – Stroke survivors may experience heavy limbs, pins and needles, or numbness, often in the legs, increasing the risk of falls.
- Joint pain – Muscle tightness after a stroke can lead to joint pain, particularly in areas like the shoulders, sometimes even causing partial dislocation.
- Muscle stiffness or spasms – Stroke can trigger spasticity or muscle tightness, leading to discomfort.
- Balance problems – Weakness, loss of sensation, vision problems, or vertigo may contribute to balance difficulties.
Exercise Physiology and Physiotherapy techniques
for stroke patients
After a stroke, your Exercise Physiologist and Physiotherapist will assess your specific challenges – whether it’s difficulty moving, balance issues, or sensory problems – and develop a customised treatment plan to support your recovery. Their combined expertise will help you regain independence and improve your health through various techniques:
| Motor Function Improvement | Strengthening exercises, such as resistance training with weights or resistance bands, can help improve strength without exacerbating spasticity, aiding motor function recovery. |
|
Falls & Secondary Complication Prevention |
Exercise reduces the risk of falls and fractures, crucial for stroke survivors. Strength training can also prevent secondary complications like heart attacks or another stroke. |
|
Aquatic Therapy |
Water-based therapy is effective for improving balance, walking, muscle strength, and cardiorespiratory fitness, offering benefits over land-based treatments. |
| Exercise for
Functional Tasks |
Repetitive exercises like overground walking, with or without assistance, can help improve walking gait and independence in daily activities. |
|
Psychosocial Functioning |
Research shows that aerobic exercise can alleviate depression and cognitive decline, which are common in stroke survivors. Regular moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (at least three 30-minute sessions per week) can improve mood and quality of life. |
Sample Physiotherapy exercises for stroke patients
In Physiotherapy for stroke patients, exercises are tailored to individual needs, aiming to restore strength, coordination, and mobility.
Here are a few sample exercises commonly recommended:
| Passive range
of motion |
This involves a therapist or caregiver helping you move your affected limbs, which improves flexibility and circulation. |
| Bridging exercise | Lying on your back, raise your hips to strengthen your core muscles and lower body. |
| Seated balance
exercises
|
These exercises improve stability and core strength whilst sitting, crucial for regaining independence in daily tasks. |
| Hand and
wrist exercises |
These are simple hand and wrist movements that can enhance your fine motor skills, essential for everyday activities. |
Note: These exercises are examples and should always be performed under the guidance of a qualified Physiotherapist to ensure safety and effectiveness. The information presented above is general in nature and does not take your personal condition or situation into consideration. It should not be used to self-treat any medical condition.
Let our Exercise Physiologists and Physiotherapists guide your stroke recovery journey
At Healthstin, our skilled Physiotherapists and Exercise Physiologists work together using a multidisciplinary approach to help stroke survivors recover and regain optimal health. Our Allied Health Experts assess each individual’s needs and create tailored rehabilitation programmes to address their unique conditions.
All our Allied Health Clinics are furnished with both Hydrotherapy pools and well-equipped gym facilities to support a holistic training approach. You can access both water- and land-based exercises in one location, enhancing your rehabilitation and fitness. For those who prefer training at home, we also offer mobile visits for Exercise Physiology and Home Physiotherapy for stroke patients.
As an accredited Allied Health Provider for the NDIS and Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), Healthstin brings a wealth of experience in helping support the health of diverse populations to the disability and CHSP aged care spaces. These include NDIS stroke support and CHSP services.
To find out how we can assist you or to book an appointment, call us today at 1300 090 931 click this link.
