Guide to Stroke Rehabilitation

A stroke is a life-altering event, to say the least. The physical, cognitive, and emotional trauma associated with stroke can be profound. Physical, occupational, and speech therapists are part of the team who walk with you (literally and figuratively) throughout your stroke rehabilitation journey; from the early days of your stroke to discharge where your therapy continues independently.

Here at Trio Rehabilitation & Wellness Solutions, we have two Certified Stroke Rehabilitation Specialists: Jennica Colvin, Occupational Therapist and Suzanne McCrum, Physical Therapist.

Additionally, Karen Ross provides Speech-Language Pathology services for stroke survivors having difficulty with swallowing food and liquids, as we well as for those having trouble articulating words or expressing thoughts.

Collectively, we have come up with information all stroke survivors should know about the stroke rehabilitative process.

The stroke recovery process begins early and lasts longer than you might expect!

The “Acute” Stroke Rehabilitation Phase

Somewhere between 24-48 hours after surviving a stroke, depending on how medically stable you are, you will likely have a visit from a physical or occupational therapist. This step in the process is referred to as the “acute” phase.

The role of the acute care hospital therapist is to address early mobility.  During this rehabilitation phase of therapy, the role of the therapists is to prevent further decline associated with inactivity and promote safe, gentle movement of the weaker arm or leg. Also, during this recovery phase of therapy, there is often spontaneous recovery benefits occurring. It is not wise or necessary to push for more motion or mobility during this phase. The brain needs more time to heal and pushing it may cause more damage to the area of infarct.

The “Early Sub-Acute” Stroke Rehabilitation Phase

After the acute phase, the “early sub-acute” phase begins, which is when more movement is encouraged using the weaker body parts to eat, dress, walk, use the bathroom, and speak without obvious slurring. Oftentimes, this phase of recovery occurs in the nursing home or in a rehabilitation hospital setting. The “early sub-acute” phase is thought to last roughly from the first week after a stroke up to three months post-stroke.

The “Late Sub-Acute” Stroke Rehabilitation Phase

The “late sub-acute” phase lasts from 3-6 months post-stroke. Somewhere between the early and late sub-acute phase is often where stroke survivors usually end up in an outpatient therapy setting. The outpatient setting is often the last setting before the stroke survivor discharges into real life!

Throughout all settings, the real encouragement comes from spending so much dedicated recovery time with a Certified Stroke Rehabilitation Therapists; well over the time spent with any other medical professional on the stroke survivor’s medical team.

Trio Rehab’s talented therapists are here to help!

If you or someone you care for is recovering from a stroke, we can help. Give us a call today to make an appointment to see one of our Certified Stroke Rehabilitation Therapists.

Jennica Colvin, Owner & Occupational Therapist
Trio Rehabilitation & Wellness Solutions
Boerne, Texas