The importance of physiotherapy post haemorrhagic stroke

Whilst each person's journey post a Brain Haemorrhage is unique, physiotherapy can be a crucial part of their recovery.

The physical problems presented by each individual, post haemorrhagic stroke, can vary, but common challenges are : 

1. Hemiparesis: Weakness on one side of the body, affecting the arm and leg.

2. Fatigue: General tiredness that intensifies with simple activities like washing or walking.

3. Neurological Symptoms:

   • Muscle Spasticity/Tightness: Increased muscle tone leading to stiffness.

   • Muscle Weakness: Reduced strength in affected muscles.

   • Pain: Discomfort related to muscle and nerve issues.

   • Poor Balance/Coordination: Difficulty maintaining posture and performing coordinated movements.

     
     

4. Postural Issues: Leaning or bending due to impaired muscle control and balance.

As an individual tries to navigate these challenges, and life, post a brain bleed, Neurological physiotherapy with a specialist physiotherapist can be life-changing. 

Neurological physiotherapy with an expert will identify what is troubling the individual most and create a treatment plan to tackle the problems.

This may include:

• Hands-on physiotherapy to help the individual move more easily and normally but could also include the use of equipment e.g. muscle stimulators or electric assistive technology such as hand and leg bikes, balance aids and splints. 

• Specialised skills where relevant, e.g. facial palsy rehabilitation, vestibular and balance rehabilitation, fatigue and pain management, movement re-education, acupuncture, seating and mobility aids including wheelchairs and hand movement retraining.

• Additional supportive activities, such as group exercise classes for those with movement difficulties to improve their strength, balance, flexibility, coordination and stamina. Furthermore, their fatigue will reduce because of this, and they will gradually be able to do more activities, more easily. Similarly, rehabilitation yoga can improve movement control as well as stretching, strengthening and increasing stamina. Learning how to control their breathing to help their movement is important and forms part of a yoga session. 

At The Nerve Injury Clinic, not only will your physiotherapist look at your movement in detail, but they will also carry out hands-on treatment to ease and improve your symptoms, as well as advise you on how to best manage your problems and improve your life at home. 

The team at the clinic see many people post brain haemorrhage and their small, friendly team of physiotherapists and therapists are highly experienced, kind, patient and experts in stroke physiotherapy. There is no time limit to recovering from a brain haemorrhage and we see patients when they initially leave the hospital right through to many years after the haemorrhage- everyone can make improvements with the right help.

The Nerve Injury Clinic's focus is to help you get better, get back to doing what you love and enjoying life! 

To find out more about the Nerve Injury Clinic, email Claire.