What do you need to know about stroke rehabilitation?

After a stroke, regular check-ups, medication, and rehabilitation training are essential – a long and arduous process for those recovering! Besides providing support and encouragement, what else should family members and caregivers be mindful of?

Common sequelae of stroke

In Hong Kong, approximately 80% of stroke cases are ischemic strokes caused by cerebral embolism. Depending on the location and extent of brain damage, patients may experience varying degrees of sequelae, commonly including paralysis, difficulty moving, aphasia (speech difficulties), cognitive impairment, and memory loss.

How to seize the golden period for stroke rehabilitation?

The first 3 to 6 months after a stroke are generally the golden period for rehabilitation, but this does not mean that there will be no change after 6 months. As long as rehabilitation training continues, there is still room for improvement! As the condition gradually stabilizes over time, stroke patients can consolidate their rehabilitation results by actively engaging in rehabilitation training.

In addition to monitoring the patient’s physical condition, family members also need to pay attention to their emotional and social well-being. General rehabilitation training often involves a high degree of repetition, which can easily lead to boredom or a lack of motivation. If the patient’s condition is stable, it is recommended to participate in different types of rehabilitation training or activities, such as music therapy choirs, community support groups, etc., to increase opportunities for social interaction, verbal expression, and emotional engagement, which plays a significant role in adapting to daily life.

Does more rehabilitation training necessarily lead to better results?

Excessive rehabilitation training without allowing sufficient time for the body to recover can cause fatigue or strain in stroke patients. Instead, targeted and planned rehabilitation training (regular and quantifiable) can accelerate the recovery process. We recommend consulting a therapist or healthcare professional for an assessment before developing a suitable treatment plan.

在家都可以做到復康訓練？

Our center has recently launched an “Online Stroke Rehabilitation Platform,” allowing you to perform rehabilitation exercises from the comfort of your home. Our treatment programs are designed by a professional team including registered music therapists, speech therapists, registered nurses, and university professors. They include unlimited access to rehabilitation training videos, a music therapy choir, and counseling groups to help patients with expressive aphasia improve their speech rehabilitation, social interactions, and overall well-being!