A stroke is the unexpected loss of brain function that occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted or when blood vessels in the brain rupture. This condition can affect individuals of different ages and carries with it harmful and possibly life-threatening complications.
When the blood flow is affected, the brain cells in the affected area die, and this can cause long-term damage.
Depending on the area injured, a stroke can cause an individual to lose his or her ability to see, speak, read or write, along with the loss of memory or an impaired thought process.
Also, the movement is limited to partial or full paralysis. The slightest of delays in blood flow can cause damage to the brain. The longer the brain is without essential nutrients and oxygen carried by the blood, the higher the risk of permanent damage.
So, what are the risk factors for stroke?
Some of the risk factors may include, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, certain heart conditions, diabetes, obesity, smoking, stress, and drinking too much alcohol. Also, women are subject to an extra set of risk factors, such as menopause and hormonal changes, as well as conditions associated with pregnancy and the use of birth control pills.
A little activity level has further been linked to stroke risk. Fortunately, you can identify a stroke early.
Early Warning Signs:
- Weakness or numbness in the face, arm or leg
- Speech problems or comprehension trouble, blurred vision
- Headaches and Pains
- Dizziness
Each of these signs can happen alone or in any combination. So, learn and remember the list. Remember, timing is the key.
Getting immediate treatment with a physical therapist at New Beginning Physical Therapy in Palm Desert, CA, can help counteract the damaging effect of a stroke.
If any of these warning signs occur, make sure to get medical attention immediately!
Physical Therapy and Stroke Rehabilitation
You may not think that physical therapy in Palm Desert, CA, may play a significant role in the recovery, but you will be surprised on what it could accomplish.
As physical therapists at New Beginning Physical Therapy, Palm Desert, CA, we are trained to teach strengthening exercises to retrain the body following a stroke.
Using a series of custom-designed stretches and exercises, we can help a stroke victim broaden his or her range of motion, build muscle, and increase endurance.
Before establishing a treatment plan, we test the stroke victim’s current levels of motion, strength, and endurance, and use this valuable information to create a plan that best suits the individual.
In the case of paralysis, physical therapists at New Beginning Physical Therapy, Palm Desert, CA, can teach the stroke victim ways to compensate for the loss, in addition to prescribing treatment for the affected limb(s).
If you or someone you know has suffered a stroke, contact your physical therapist at New Beginning Physical Therapy, Palm Desert, CA, to open a new door to recovery.