Minor Injuries: Seeking Treatment in a Timely Manner

Physical rehabilitation is a key component to recovering after a stroke. Physical therapy services can help you to regain gross and fine motor skills, and rehabilitation can also help you to regain strength as you recover. If you or a loved one are at risk for having a stroke, here are three things you should know about the physical rehabilitation process.

Rehab Starts At The Hospital

Shortly after a stroke, your medical team will assess your physical condition and determine what type of damage the stroke has caused. From there, you and your care team can develop a physical rehabilitation regimen that fits your needs and ability level. The hospital may have a physical therapist visit you during the day to begin working on regaining some of the motor control lost as a result of the stroke. While you may be tired or in pain, participating in therapy in these early days can be beneficial to your overall progress.

Create A Plan For When You Leave The Hospital

Depending on your needs and your ability level, you'll have various options available to you after your acute care stay in the hospital is completed. Some hospitals have rehabilitation centers in the building, which means you can transfer to rehab simply by moving to another area of the hospital building. For more intense or long-term rehabilitation needs, you may need to move to a nursing home or skilled care facility. If you are able to perform basic daily living functions on your own, you and your care provider may decide to continue rehab at home with the aid of in-home nurses and physical therapy visits. Be sure to work with the care coordinator at the hospital to determine which of these options is right for you and to line up the appropriate care after you are discharged from the hospital.

Stick To Your Rehab Plan

The success of physical rehabilitation depends on your commitment level. If you want to regain as much movement and strength as possible, you'll need to make sure you stick to your rehab plan. Talk to your doctor about any difficulties you may be experiencing, such as pain or depression. Your primary care physician can help you to manage pain and can refer you to a therapist who can help you deal with the emotional toll having a stroke can take. By following your rehab plan and staying on top of your mental and physical health needs, you can provide yourself with the best possible chance for recovery. 

It is estimated that a stroke occurs every 40 seconds in the US. Be prepared in the event that a stroke impacts you, and work to create a physical rehabilitation plan that helps you to get on the road to recovery quickly. For more information, talk to a professional like Holly Heights Nursing Home.