Stroke.
The Rehab Team provides Neurological Physiotherapy specific to people who have experienced a stroke in Tauranga and surrounding areas. We are able to providing additional and intensive rehabilitation alongside or following your discharge from hospital-based services
A stroke is a sudden interruption of blood flow to part of the brain causing it to stop working and eventually damaging brain cells due to a lack of oxygen to the brain tissue. A stroke can occur either as a result of a blockage (ischaemia) to the blood vessels supplying the brain, or as a result of a bleed (haemorrhage).
A number of symptoms can present depending on the area of brain the stroke occurred. This can include:
Muscle weakness - often on one side of the body
Change in muscle tone - low tone, high tone and spasticity
Altered sensation
Neglect of one side of the body
Visual and perceptual changes
Altered balance
Difficulties with mobility and day to day activities
Speech and swallowing impairments
Changes in your thinking, memory and concentration
Pain
Fatigue
The damage to the brain cells effected by a stroke is irreparable. However our brains are plastic and are forever adapting based on what we are exposed to. This means that other areas can be trained to take over some of the lost function. This is known as neuroplasticity. Effective stroke rehab requires not only a team approach but specific rehabilitation targeted towards an individuals stroke impairments. This needs to have high repetitions and variations to influence the brain so it can learn and adapt. For maximum improvements, intensive therapy blocks focusing on specific goals such as ‘sit to stand’, 'walking’ or arm function can be completed. No matter how long it has been since your stroke, there is possibility of functional improvement.
The role of a Neurological Physiotherapist following a stroke.
Neurological physiotherapists are physiotherapists with additional training in treating problems related to the brain, spinal cord, inner ear and nerves. Neurological physiotherapists apply their knowledge of the brain to assess the physical aspects that can be affected following a stroke and can use this knowledge to anticipate challenges and secondary impairments that can occur in the future. This knowledge is then used to recommend an individualised rehabilitation programme based on current evidence, individual needs, current function and personal goals.
What our therapists offer.
Complete a thorough assessment including in-depth movement analysis.
Functional training of key tasks such as moving in bed, standing up and walking using hands on facilitation of movement if required.
Provide education and carer training on safe movement techniques.
Strength training
Alignment and balance retraining
Upper limb retraining.
Individualised neurological rehab program that is based on your specific needs..
The Rehab Team is happy to work alongside your team of health care professionals to maximise your recovery and provide correspondence if indicated.