A stroke is a life-changing event that can impact your physical, mental, and emotional health — but with proper rehabilitation, many stroke patients can regain independence and quality of life.

Regional One Health’s Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospital recently earned stroke accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities. That means our Stroke Specialty Program meets the most rigorous national standards for patient care.

As Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospital Medical Director, I collaborate with a highly trained team of rehabilitation specialists to care for patients who are hospitalized after a stroke. Regional One Health also offers outpatient rehabilitation for stroke patients, which allows them to continue to make progress and improve their health after they are discharged.

Stroke rehabilitation focuses on restoring physical and mental function, improving symptoms, and enhancing quality of life.

We recognize that every patient has different strengths, preferences, and needs, and we use the latest research and evidence-based practices to develop individualized treatment plans.

Stroke rehab should start as soon as possible after a stroke, ideally while a patient is still in the hospital. The earlier a patient begins rehabilitation, the better their chances of recovery.

Initially, we focus on basic functions like walking and overall mobility, speech, and activities of daily living like showering, going to the restroom, and getting dressed.

As the patient’s strength, stamina, and function improve, therapy can address more specific issues. For example, if a patient plans to return to work, we can provide exercises that mimic job tasks. If they have a hobby that requires certain movements, we focus on regaining those skills.

We offer comprehensive therapy services.

Physical therapists focus on large motor skills to improve movement, strength, and coordination. They help patients regain the ability to walk and improve use of their arms and legs.

Occupational therapists address smaller motor skills used during daily tasks, including cooking, cleaning, and self-care.

Speech therapy helps people who have speech and communication deficits, as well as cognitive issues like problems with memory and concentration. Our speech-language pathologists can also address swallow disorders.

Along with teaching patients exercises aimed at restoring strength and function, our therapists can help patients learn new ways of performing tasks if needed. This includes using various forms of assistive technology, such as tablets and apps for speech and concentration issues or a cane for problems with walking or balance.

For many patients, stroke rehabilitation pays off in a big way.

It helps patients restore function, regain independence, adjust to limitations, and manage changes in mood, memory, and cognition. Rehabilitation also has a strong education component, so it can prevent complications and help reduce the risk of the patient suffering another stroke.

With the right therapies and support from a dedicated team of professionals, many patients can make significant progress in regaining their independence and improving their quality of life.

 

Mario Ray, MD, MBA, FACP, CIME, is the medical director of Regional One Health’s Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospital. To learn more, visit Regionalonehealth.org/rehabilitation-services.

By Mario Ray, MD, MBA, FACP, CIME