A stroke is a life-changing event that can affect both your neurological and physical health. Facing physical disability after a stroke can be difficult, but you can take steps to improve your recovery and adjust to changes in your body.
Participate in Physical Therapy
Physical and occupational therapy can help you rebuild strength, balance and fine motor skills after a stroke. With your doctor’s or therapist’s approval, you can also practice walking with support, weight training or use recumbent bicycles to build strength and range of motion.
Create a Mobility-Friendly Environment
You can experience temporary or long-lasting weakness in your arms or legs after a stroke. This weakness can put you at risk for falls, but you can make changes to your home to lower this risk.
- Clear away rugs and cords from walkways.
- Remove furniture that can get in the way of movement, canes or walkers.
- Add grab bars to your bathroom to help you stand and sit.
- Install hand bars or rails in hallways of your home.
- Add lighting to ensure it’s easy to see in each room.
After a stroke, many patients may not be able to take stairs, at least temporarily. You can rent or buy equipment such as wheelchair ramps, stair lifts, portable showers or other items to make your home safer.
Find a Therapy You Enjoy
After a stroke, you need to care for your emotional health needs, too. Many activities can help both your physical disabilities and your emotional health, including:
- Horseback riding for physical strength and calmness
- Painting for fine motor skills and expression of emotions
- Gardening for relaxation and physical activity
Find a therapy that is safe, improves your mood and gives you a chance to get active after your stroke. These activities, combined with physical therapy and following up with your physician, can help improve your stroke recovery.
For help with physical therapy and recovery, you should speak to your physician.
For help creating a safe environment at home, please contact the experts at Hampton Roads Mobility.
