In this week's Keys to Caring we're taking a look at life after a stroke.
While the affects can leave a person unable to complete daily tasks, with the help of physical therapy, living a normal life is more than possible.
A stroke can leave a person unable to have normal use of their arms and legs, but after re-training the brain, you can gain those skills back.
When you have a stroke your brain can lose the ability to communicate with the rest of your body.
"The brain is one of the slowest healing tissues in the body,” explained Dr. Michael F. Lupinacci, Medical Director of HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital. “So as apposed to a fracture, a broken bone which heals in 6-8 weeks, the brain heals over 6, 8, 12, 24 months."
That's where rehabilitation comes in. With the help of new technology and proven methods, you can regain brain function.
"What we're really looking at is what do you need to do everyday,” stated Doctor of Physical Therapy Karen Burket. “Physical therapy is really designed to help you move the way you need to move to go home."
While in rehab and physical therapy, your brain once again learns how to walk, use your arms effectively, and how to get from place to place.
"Our patients here at the hospital, they get three hours of therapy minimum, five days a week," Burket told us.
With new technology comes new methods in training your brain to complete simple tasks.
"We have technology that allows virtual reality to help arm movement which helps with brain integrity and brain healing,” Lupinacci addressed. “We have a walker that can support someone's weight and have them walk properly."
With all the tools ready to help you or your loved one after a stroke, all it takes is optimism and the will to regain function.
"Look where we are, we have a long way to go, and lets look at the progress week by week and have hope and optimism that things are going to be a lot better in the near future," Lupinacci advised.
If you or someone you know has had a stroke, the best thing to do is contact your doctor and figure out the best way to move on from their.
While the affects can leave a person unable to complete daily tasks, with the help of physical therapy, living a normal life is more than possible.
A stroke can leave a person unable to have normal use of their arms and legs, but after re-training the brain, you can gain those skills back.
When you have a stroke your brain can lose the ability to communicate with the rest of your body.
"The brain is one of the slowest healing tissues in the body,” explained Dr. Michael F. Lupinacci, Medical Director of HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital. “So as apposed to a fracture, a broken bone which heals in 6-8 weeks, the brain heals over 6, 8, 12, 24 months."
That's where rehabilitation comes in. With the help of new technology and proven methods, you can regain brain function.
"What we're really looking at is what do you need to do everyday,” stated Doctor of Physical Therapy Karen Burket. “Physical therapy is really designed to help you move the way you need to move to go home."
While in rehab and physical therapy, your brain once again learns how to walk, use your arms effectively, and how to get from place to place.
"Our patients here at the hospital, they get three hours of therapy minimum, five days a week," Burket told us.
With new technology comes new methods in training your brain to complete simple tasks.
"We have technology that allows virtual reality to help arm movement which helps with brain integrity and brain healing,” Lupinacci addressed. “We have a walker that can support someone's weight and have them walk properly."
With all the tools ready to help you or your loved one after a stroke, all it takes is optimism and the will to regain function.
"Look where we are, we have a long way to go, and lets look at the progress week by week and have hope and optimism that things are going to be a lot better in the near future," Lupinacci advised.
If you or someone you know has had a stroke, the best thing to do is contact your doctor and figure out the best way to move on from their.