EvolvingGait_Physical Therapy and Stroke Treatment

Physical Therapy and Stroke Treatment

Have you experienced a stroke or other neurological injury that has resulted in life- long disabilities? You may find that you’re unable to do several everyday activities that you used to be able to accomplish with ease. A stroke can affect multiple aspects of who you are; it can result in physical disabilities, balance problems, and intellectual and personality changes. Evolving Gait Physical Therapy, P.C specializes in treatment for stroke patients. Our team offers a combination of hands- on and equipment based exercise to help patients maximize their functional abilities and lead as full a life as possible. If you or a loved one has experienced a stroke, contact our clinic today to schedule your consultation. What is a Stroke? A stroke is caused by the sudden death of brain cells due to a lack of oxygen. This occurs when the blood flow to a particular portion of the brain is restricted from a clot or bleed. There are two different types of strokes. An ischemic stroke occurs when a blood vessel is blocked, typically due to “arteriosclerosis,” which is a buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries that supply the brain. A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel leaks or ruptures due

to an abnormally-formed arterial wall. The severity of symptoms is dependent on where the stroke occurred in the brain, how extensive the damage was, and the duration of the stroke. A stroke can affect your cognitive function, speech, the ability to swallow, walking, balance, strength, and function. Living With the Effects from a Stroke Below is a list of possible symptoms you may be experiencing after a stroke. • Hemiplegia: One-sided muscle weakness affecting your ability to perform normal activities of daily living. • Abnormal gait pattern leading to difficulty walking without assistance. Often training is required in the use of a proper assistive device to maintain safety and independence. • Loss of balance and coordination leading to the possibility of falling. • Changes in muscle tone affecting your ability to move normally. This could be high or low tone, each of which has a unique effect on your movement patterns. • Drop foot. The inability to lift the toes of your affected side when walking.

• Isolation. You may find yourself confining yourself to the home because of your overall decrease in functionality and ability to ambulate safely. • Additional problems with speech, language and cognition, while not directly addressed by physical therapy, can also have a major impact on your life and can be addressed by our affiliate clinicians. Signs of a Stroke According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, several signs of stroke in men and women include: • Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body. • Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech. • Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes. • Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or lack of coordination. • Sudden severe headache with no known cause.

www.stroke.org/en/about-stroke/stroke- symptoms

How Evolving Gait Physical Therapy Can Help

Contact Our Office Today

Our therapists have extensive experience in neurological and movement disorders resulting from a stroke. Evolving Gait Physical Therapy provides physical therapy across a wide range of diagnoses, including both neurological and ortho- pedic disorders. We offer one on one treatment and focus on improving physical function so that you can live as indepen- dently as possible. Sometimes, a patient may have to relearn basic skills, such as walking, dressing, writing, speaking, or eating. At Evolving Gait Physical Therapy, our advanced methods and modalities are equipped to help you stake your claim over your life again.

Oftentimes after experiencing a stroke, many patients need life-long care and attention. Evolving Gait specializes in one on one specialized treatment for our patients suffering from a stroke or other traumatic neurological injury. Our ultimate goal is to help restore as much physical strength as possible, and to assist with our patient’s levels of activity as they relearn how to do normal everyday tasks.

We’re here to help. If you or a loved one has experienced a stroke, contact our clinic today to schedule an appointment.

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