Physiotherapy can play a crucial role in both preventing and treating stroke. With proper prevention and timely intervention, the impact of a stroke can be significantly reduced.
Johannesburg, South Africa (06 November 2024) – The thought of a stroke can be a very scary one, but it doesn’t always have to be.
In commemorating Stroke Awareness Week, which ran from 28 October to 1 November 2024, seasoned physiotherapist and the founder of SuedeWellness Life Resilience Institute, Sue Ramauthar shares that many strokes are in fact preventable, and with the right interventions, recovery can be supported through physiotherapy.
What is a stroke?
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted, depriving brain cells of oxygen and nutrients.
Without prompt treatment, these cells can die, leading to lasting damage, disability, or even death.
Prevention is better than cure
According to the wellness ambassador, Sue, prevention plays a crucial role in reducing the incidence of stroke. Although some risk factors, such as age and family history, cannot be controlled, others are modifiable through lifestyle changes and medical management.
These include managing blood pressure, controlling diabetes, adopting a healthy diet, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol intake and quitting smoking.
The Power of Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy plays an important role in both the management and prevention of strokes. It helps individuals regain mobility, strength, and function after a stroke while also contributing to long-term prevention strategies.
Post-Stroke Rehabilitation
After a stroke, many survivors experience physical impairments that affect movement, balance, and coordination. Physiotherapists are essential in helping stroke survivors recover and regain their independence.
Through tailored exercises, Physiotherapists can help improve stroke survivors’ mobility, balance strength and coordination as well as enhance cardiovascular health, reducing the likelihood of another stroke.
Many stroke survivors experience spasticity—stiffness or involuntary muscle contractions. Physiotherapy can help reduce spasticity and improve muscle tone, allowing for smoother movements and better function.
Physiotherapy as a Preventative Tool
Physiotherapy is not just for post-stroke care; it can also play a preventative role. Physiotherapists can guide patients with high stroke risk factors, such as hypertension or diabetes, through exercises that target cardiovascular health, weight management, and mobility.
Regular physical activity is one of the most effective ways to lower stroke risk, and physiotherapists can help design personalised programs to suit each person’s needs and abilities.
If you or a loved one are at risk of stroke or recovering from one, consider speaking to a physiotherapist for guidance on how movement and rehabilitation can play a pivotal role in your journey.
Sources: Sue Ramauthar
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