Rehabilitation strategies post-stroke

Stroke affects up to 10% of older adults in Canada, making it the third leading cause of death nationally and one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. For many people, recovery from the initial event is just the beginning of a longer period of rehabilitation to restore lost function caused by the stroke

 

Those who suffer and survive a stroke can face a variety of temporary or permanent disabilities that differ in severity and impact their ability to complete activities of daily living. For instance, approximately 80% of people experience limitations moving their arms or legs following a stroke, while over 30% encounter difficulties communicating. These problems can feel like insurmountable obstacles on the road to recovery. However, research has identified several strategies that can help address these issues and aid with rehabilitation efforts, including mirror therapy, speech and language therapy, and walking training.

 

We have compiled some of the latest research on these strategies below.


Get the latest content first. Sign up for free weekly email alerts.
Subscribe
Author Details

DISCLAIMER: These summaries are provided for informational purposes only. They are not a substitute for advice from your own health care professional. The summaries may be reproduced for not-for-profit educational purposes only. Any other uses must be approved by the McMaster Optimal Aging Portal (info@mcmasteroptimalaging.org).

Many of our Blog Posts were written before the COVID-19 pandemic and thus do not necessarily reflect the latest public health recommendations. While the content of new and old blogs identify activities that support optimal aging, it is important to defer to the most current public health recommendations. Some of the activities suggested within these blogs may need to be modified or avoided altogether to comply with changing public health recommendations. To view the latest updates from the Public Health Agency of Canada, please visit their website.