Every year, over 130,000 people in the UK have a stroke, 50% of whom have no physical weakness 6 months after the onset, however, it is the single most common cause of severe disability. More than 250,000 people live with disabilities caused by stroke and recovery can be a long and challenging journey. Neuro physiotherapy is a well recognised therapeutic input aimed to facilitate neural reorganisation and activity dependent plasticity through movement pattern retraining. It has been well researched that nearby neurons to those damaged in the event of a stroke can undertake the role in helping to control aspects of movement formerly modulated by the original set. Latent synaptic connections are strengthened by repeated practise that leads to better skilled movement.
It is a widely held belief that most improvement happens within six months of a stroke, with little improvement possible thereafter. However accurate measurement and monitoring of progression and clinical effectiveness of rehabilitation is very difficult 6 months post stroke, most specifically because therapy is stopped well within this time period. However following a number of years of experience of working in a rehabilitative setting with individuals who have experienced a stroke, it is clear to me that significant change continues to occur after that initial six month period and in fact a number of years post Stroke.
Three years ago, at the age of 34, I suffered a hemorrhagic stroke, which left me paralysed on the right side. I was told by my doctors that any function I did not regain in the first year would be lost forever and, as I reached the one and then two year marks with minimal improvement, I was left without hope that my diminished quality of life would change.
I thought initially that continuing physiotherapy was just to stop me regressing further, but I have found that is not the case with the therapy I’m receiving here at Birkdale. I have seen some small improvements and feeling and movement returning to my right side. Yes,it is very gradual because of the severity of my stroke, but this is more than I or anyone else expected.
I am so thankful that I found Birkdale Clinic, and therapy with Farshideh and Tia. The team are so friendly, welcoming and committed, and I enjoy coming here. From day one I have felt comfortable and at ease with their way of working, as a result I’ve been having therapy with them twice a week since. I am hopeful for more improvements to come with the help of Farshideh and Tia. Binal Patel
Remember to always follow the FAST guide if you suspect someone might be having a stroke.
