How Short-Term Rehab Helps You Heal from a Stroke

After a stroke, many people experience lasting physical and cognitive issues. That’s why rehabilitation is an important part of stroke treatment, and while it may not fully reverse the effects of a stroke, the goal of therapy is to restore as much function as possible. During your stay at short-term rehab, a team of medical professionals will develop a personalized treatment plan designed to help you with your mobility, strength, balance, activities of daily living, communication, and speech so that you can get back to a more active and independent lifestyle.

Physical Effects of a Stroke

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is blocked or reduced, known as an ischemic stroke, or when a blood vessel in the brain leaks or bursts and causes bleeding in the brain, known as a hemorrhagic stroke. A stroke is a serious medical event that can leave lasting physical effects that will take healing therapy to treat following release from the hospital.

Some physical symptoms after a stroke include:

• Difficulty gripping or holding things
• Pain caused by damage to tissues or nerves
• A limited ability to move, perform physical activities, walk, or stand
• Swallowing issues
• Difficulty speaking or communicating
• Weakness or paralysis of limbs on one side of the body

What Is Short-Term Rehab?

Short-term rehab bridges the gap between your hospitalization and return to independent living. Short-term rehab after a hospital stay for a stroke will help you regain your function, mobility, and language skills using expert physical, occupational, and speech therapy services, state-of-the-art equipment, and a safe environment where you can improve a little bit more each day.

At our Bolger Short-Term Rehab, we provide healing treatment for patients who have suffered a stroke, using innovative technologies and a compassionate approach to care.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapists are masters of movement. They work with stroke patients through a number of exercises to improve impaired motor skills, balance, and strength in the aftermath of a stroke so that they can regain the ability to walk and move freely.

Physical therapy may include:

• Exercises to restore strength and balance
• Training to walk safely with or without canes or walkers

• Use of heat, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation modalities to assist in pain control

• Movement therapy to strengthen an arm or leg that was weakened by the stoke

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy helps those who have had a stroke improve or recover the essential skills needed for daily life tasks. Our expert occupational therapists work with patients who have physical limitations after a stroke to help them improve mobility and learn effective strategies to retain their independence.

Occupational therapy may include:

• Training in performing activities of daily living, such as dressing and feeding
• The prescription of wheelchairs and other assistive equipment and learning how to use them
• Exercise to enhance the ability to handle self-care tasks

Speech Therapy

Many people have difficulty with speech and communication following a stroke. Speech therapy can improve not only their speech and language skills but also their ability to swallow or eat safely.

Speech therapy may include:

• Evaluation for swallowing problems
• Diet recommendations
• Treatment for loss of swallowing and/or speech function
• Cognitive-linguistic management

Therapy for Stroke at Bolger Short-Term Rehab

If you or someone you love need healing physical, occupational, or speech therapy therapy following a stroke, Bolger Short-Term Rehab can help. With our state-of-the-art gym, expert team of skilled and friendly therapists, and welcoming community environment, you will feel comfortable and cared for as you recover. For more information, please call (201) 848-5855 or visit ChristianHealthNJ.info/BolgerShort-TermRehab.