Basics of rehabilitation after a stroke

Stroke is one of the most serious diseases stroke rehabilitation, especially with paresis and paralysis, is long and painstaking work. It begins even in the hospital, under the supervision of doctors, and continues for a long time with the close support of relatives, because the patient will need both physical and psychological and social recovery. An important component of this process is the prevention of complications. Thrombosis and thromboembolism are terrible consequences of the patient's immobility after a stroke, so it requires adequate treatment and examination. Ultrasound studies of the veins of the lower extremities, laboratory tests, and therapy with drugs and drugs under the control of coagulation are carried out. Aspirin or heparin are used as prescribed by the doctor. Previously, compression knitwear was actively used for the lower extremities, but according to the latest data of large studies, this method has not proven its effectiveness, and due to the resulting skin changes, bedsores, it is not recommended for use according to the latest European recommendations.

There are several referrals to the rehabilitation of a patient after a stroke. Restoring speech and movement, which is successfully carried out by Lyadov clinics, which also carry out rehabilitation after spinal cord injury, remain a priority. In the acute period, the goal is the prevention of contractures in the joints and the fight against limitation of movement in them. Therefore, passive movements are performed in the joints of the affected limbs and treatment is performed with the position, when the limbs are placed in such a way as to give them the maximum physiological position and preserve the full range of motion. However, it should not be forgotten that the restoration of movement depends more on active movements that the patient himself must perform. But here you will have to try. An experienced rehabilitator and massage therapist will play an important role in this matter. In their arsenal there are special techniques with an effect on the muscles, with the awakening of reflexes and an increase in muscle strength. An important point is that such rehabilitation can only be started with the recommendation of the attending physician. Undoubtedly, relatives can perform preventive measures of rehabilitation and massage. This will be light stroking, passive movements, skin care procedures, thermal procedures. But even here there are several nuances. You should not be guided by the principle: "if he cannot move himself, move for him" there is a benefit in this, as indicated above, but you will not achieve great results. Plus, it should be taken into account that due to the weakness of the muscles around the joints, they are quite unstable, and there is pain, discomfort in connection with this, and injuries, subluxations can occur, if this issue is approached with special enthusiasm and zeal.

Therefore, it is better to trust a specialist and follow his recommendations. Some joints even need supporting bandages in such cases. Rehabilitating muscles often begins with large groups, such as biceps, triceps, back muscles, quadriceps. They have more opportunities to improve blood supply to the affected limb due to a larger vascular network. It will be easier for them to restore fine motor skills. It is not necessary to get involved in flexion stimulation in patients with a stroke, because with such a pathology, hypertension prevails, and its stimulation may cause pathological flexion, and in the future, contracture of the limb. Verticalization of the patient requires special attention. It is carried out very gradually and carefully.

The first attempts to sit the patient down or lift him up require careful observation of the patient, for symptoms and indicators of pulse and blood pressure, because at such moments, such threatening complications as thromboembolism, most often branches of the pulmonary artery, often occur. They are accompanied by weakness, shortness of breath, severe sweating. But very often they are asymptomatic or stimulate the symptoms of ischemic heart disease, moderate shortness of breath, changes in pressure and pulse, heaviness in the chest. Therefore, if you see that the patient has any symptoms, inform the attending physician. The terms of rehabilitation are also very important. The most effective period in this regard is the first 6 months, since the brain's reconstruction, when it will take control of part of the lost functions on healthy structures, takes place mainly in the first half of the year. The patient's own desire and attitude are also very important. Therefore, he must see and notice even his smallest successes. And with due diligence and care, they will definitely be.