Stroke Rehabilitation

After having a stroke, many patients begin to spontaneously recover from their strokes, slowly regaining lost abilities. This process usually is fastest during the first few weeks, but patients may continue to improve for a long time.

The prognosis for every stroke patient is different, depending on where in the brain the stroke occurs, determines how much damage is sustained and the patient’s overall health. Some patients will make a complete or nearly complete recovery. Others are disabled through the loss or partial loss of speaking ability or memory, while others suffer permanent paralysis or weakness.

Stroke Rehabilitation is a very important part of recovery for many stroke survivors. Participating in stroke rehabilitation helps the patient change, relearn or redefine the ability to take care of his or her self. Rehabilitation does not reverse the effects of a stroke. Its goals are to build your strength, capability and confidence in order for you to continue your daily activities. Stroke Rehabilitation may include activities of daily living such as eating, bathing and dressing; mobility skills such as transferring, walking or using a wheelchair; cognitive skills such as memory; communication skills, including speech; social skills; and psychological functioning to improve coping skills and treatment to overcome depression.

A person may return to their home for rehabilitation or stroke therapy may be done in a hospital. The effects of stroke are different for every patient, so it is important to determine the right therapy for the individual.

Rehabilitation services may include the following:

• Physical therapy to restore movement, balance, and coordination. Some patients may need help moving around and performing some, or all, normal task after a stroke. The University of Tennessee Medical Center has physical therapists, occupational therapists, and doctors that will help the patient through every stage of recovery.
• Occupational therapy to relearn basic skills such as bathing and dressing
• Language and Speech therapy - After a stroke, some people may have problems finding a word or being able to speak more than one word or phrase at a time. A speech and language therapist at UT Medical Center will work with the patient, family or caregiver to understand new ways for communication.

Rehabilitation programs and services are customized to each individual patient. The Brain and Spine Institute offers the following rehabilitation services.

• Audiology
• Balance
• Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
• Occupational Therapy
• Pediatric Therapy
• Physical Therapy
• Speech-Language Pathology
• Worker Evaluation and Restoration