What is Physical Therapy:
Stroke survivors who have hemiplegia, hemiparesis or other impairments that cause problems moving will most likely benefit from physical therapy. Physical therapists (PTs) use exercises and physical activities to strengthen and retrain the body. Before developing an individualized treatment plan, the PT will evaluate strength, endurance, range of motion, while also assessing gait (walking) abnormalities and sensory problems.
Stroke survivors who have hemiplegia, hemiparesis or other impairments that cause problems moving will most likely benefit from physical therapy. Physical therapists (PTs) use exercises and physical activities to strengthen and retrain the body. Before developing an individualized treatment plan, the PT will evaluate strength, endurance, range of motion, while also assessing gait (walking) abnormalities and sensory problems.
The Goal of Physical Therapy:
The ultimate goal of physical therapy is to reduce disability and improve independence by reducing physical limitations and preventing injuries. This is achieved by working with the stroke survivor to regain control over their motor functions, such as walking, standing or getting in and out of bed, and to teach them to safely compensate for any disabilities. This would include the use of any assistive devices, such as a wheelchair or cane.
The ultimate goal of physical therapy is to reduce disability and improve independence by reducing physical limitations and preventing injuries. This is achieved by working with the stroke survivor to regain control over their motor functions, such as walking, standing or getting in and out of bed, and to teach them to safely compensate for any disabilities. This would include the use of any assistive devices, such as a wheelchair or cane.
Who Needs Physical Therapy:
Stroke survivors who could benefit from physical therapy are those who have:
- An inability to perform activities of daily living such as
- Getting in and out of bed
- Walking
- Going up and down stairs
- Carrying out life roles in a safe, independent and efficient manner
- An inability to return to work or recreational activities
- Loss of flexibility or strength
- Loss of sensation
- Reduced vision
- Difficulty swallowing
- Difficulty breathing
- Confusion or diminished mental capacity
- Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
- Dizziness
- Impaired coordination
- Decreased endurance
- Poor balance
- Falls
- Caregivers have difficulty or are unsafe assisting with patient mobility
- Home or work is not accessible to the individual
What Types of Activities Does Physical Therapy Include:
The PT will work with the stroke survivor to perform therapeutic exercises, including strengthening and stretching activities. They can perform balance and sensory training and work to develop functional skills, like standing, walking or using a wheelchair or cane. If the patient has weakness or poor endurance they may use aerobic conditioning exercises. They can recommend assistive devices (wheelchair, canes or even bedside commodes) and instruct in their safe use, as well as any splints or adaptive equipment (such as grab bars or wheelchair ramps).
The PT will work with the stroke survivor to perform therapeutic exercises, including strengthening and stretching activities. They can perform balance and sensory training and work to develop functional skills, like standing, walking or using a wheelchair or cane. If the patient has weakness or poor endurance they may use aerobic conditioning exercises. They can recommend assistive devices (wheelchair, canes or even bedside commodes) and instruct in their safe use, as well as any splints or adaptive equipment (such as grab bars or wheelchair ramps).
PTs also will develop a home exercise program for each patient and instruct them and their caregivers how to perform, and they can work with caregivers to enable them to safely care for or assist with their mobility. The therapist will work with each patient to refer them to other therapies or settings, such as transitioning from inpatient to outpatient therapy, as needed.
What are the Requirements for Physical Therapists:
To become licensed as a physical therapist, an individual must receive a graduate degree from an accredited physical therapist program and pass a national licensure examination.
A physical therapist assistant provides PT under the direction and supervision of a PT. They must pass a state licensure exam, after receiving a two year associate’s degree.
To become licensed as a physical therapist, an individual must receive a graduate degree from an accredited physical therapist program and pass a national licensure examination.
A physical therapist assistant provides PT under the direction and supervision of a PT. They must pass a state licensure exam, after receiving a two year associate’s degree.
While most physical therapy is started after referral from a physician, 43 states have enacted legislation that allows PTs to provide therapy without a doctor's referral. However, most insurances (including Medicare) will not cover therapy without a physician's order. If you have had a stroke, your primary physician should always know and be involved in all of the care you receive.
Sources:
"Consumer Resources Center." Neurology Section - American Physical Therapy Association. American Physical Therapy Association. 12 Jan 2007 <http://www.neuropt.org/consumers/resrcindx.cfm#1>.
"Who are PTs & PTAs?." American Physical Therapy Association. American Physical Therapy Association. 12 Jan 2007 <http://www.apta.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Physical_Therapy&Template=/TaggedPage/TaggedPageDisplay.cfm&TPLID=217&ContentID=34361>.
"Patient Action Center - Direct Access." American Physical Therapy Association. American Physical Therapy Association. 12 Jan 2007 <http://www.apta.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Direct_Access2&Template=/TaggedPage/TaggedPageDisplay.cfm&TPLID=280&ContentID=31209>.
"Consumer Resources Center." Neurology Section - American Physical Therapy Association. American Physical Therapy Association. 12 Jan 2007 <http://www.neuropt.org/consumers/resrcindx.cfm#1>.
"Who are PTs & PTAs?." American Physical Therapy Association. American Physical Therapy Association. 12 Jan 2007 <http://www.apta.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Physical_Therapy&Template=/TaggedPage/TaggedPageDisplay.cfm&TPLID=217&ContentID=34361>.
"Patient Action Center - Direct Access." American Physical Therapy Association. American Physical Therapy Association. 12 Jan 2007 <http://www.apta.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Direct_Access2&Template=/TaggedPage/TaggedPageDisplay.cfm&TPLID=280&ContentID=31209>.
