Please note: Our Online Booking tool is currently down, please contact us on 0330 088 7800 to arrange your appointment and we will honour any online booking discount.

 

  • Book now

we work with

  • Individuals

  • Solicitors

  • Case
    Managers

  • Intermediaries

  • Organisations

  • Health
    Professionals

 

  • Our Clinics

 

  • Contact us

Close Icon

What is stroke?



A stroke is a sudden brain attack which is caused by an interruption of blood flow to the brain usually because of a blockade or a burst blood vessel. Brain cells need a constant supply of oxygen from the blood. Without an adequate blood supply, brain cells become damaged. As a result of this damage, a person who has had a stroke may have difficulty with movement often on one side of the body, difficulty communicating and poor coordination and balance.


Fine motor skill exercises to rehabilitate greater independance following  strokeAbove: Fine motor skill exercises to rehabilitate greater independance following stroke



Diagnosis of stroke



A stroke is a medical emergency. It is important to act fast if a person is suspected of having a stroke in order to try and save threatened brain tissue and minimising the damage. The symptoms of a stroke depend on the area of the brain which has been affected.

The symptoms are usually distinct because they happen quickly causing:
  • Numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg (especially on one side of the body)
  • Confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech
  • Trouble seeing in one or both eyes
  • Problems walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
  • Severe headache with no known cause
CT (computerised tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) can be used to distinguish the type of stroke and the area of the brain which has been affected.

The Face Arm Speech Test (FAST) can be used to help anyone diagnose the symptoms of a stroke quickly.


What causes stroke?



There are two main causes of stroke that be classified as either hemorrhagic or ischemic.
  • Ischaemic stroke is a lack of blood supply to the brain caused by a blood clot. It is the most common form of stroke. For example, an atheroma is a fatty lump which can develop in the arteries, blocking the artery and interrupting blood flow to the brain.
  • Hemorrhagic stroke is bleeding in the brain caused by a weakened blood vessel in the brain that bursts. This can happen in different areas of the brain.
A transient ischaemic attack or TIA, is often called a mini stroke and occurs when there is a temporary loss of blood supply to the brain. The symptoms of a TIA resolve between 5 mins and 24 hours as the disruption in blood supply occurs for a brief amount of time. TIAs serve as a warning that the blood supply to the brain might not be functioning correctly.


What are the effects / symptoms of stroke?



The effects a stroke depend on the area of the brain it affects. The most common long term effects include:
  • Weakness or paralysis on one side of the body with partial or complete loss of voluntary movement.
  • Difficulty with walking, movement or coordination
  • Poor balance
  • Loss of sensation in on one side of the body
  • Difficulties with speech and language
  • Weak face muscles
  • Swallowing difficulties, which can cause trouble with eating or drinking.
  • Cognitive difficulties, such as thinking, attention and memory.
  • Behaviour and mood changes.
  • Difficulties with bowel or bladder control (incontinence).
  • Fatigue
  • Loss of independence
Not everyone who has a stroke will experience all these symptoms and the long term affects are modifiable with specialist treatment as that brain has the ability to adapt to changes and reduce neurological deficits.


Physiotherapy for stroke



People who have suffered from a stroke benefit from specialist neurological physiotherapy. Our dedicated neurological physiotherapists at Physio.co.uk understand the difficulties a person will face following a stroke. For the best possible recovery, it is important to start physiotherapy as soon as possible. Physiotherapy treatment will advise and support you throughout your treatment and maximise your potential in order that long term improvements can be achieved.

Physio.co.uk commonly see individuals who have been discharged from the NHS following a stroke with “no rehab potential” that go on to make significant improvements. This can often be many years following their stroke.

The neurological physiotherapists at Physio.co.uk will set short and long term goals tailored to your needs to help promote independence and improve your quality of life. Physiotherapy treatment will be focused around:
  • Increasing control of movement of the arms, legs and trunk
  • Preventing muscle shortening
  • Advise on positioning
  • Promoting normal movement
  • Encouraging movement of affected limb
  • Increasing ability to roll/move in bed/sit/stand
  • Promoting activities of daily living
  • Increasing muscle strength
  • Improving balance and posture
  • Improving safety
  • Increasing energy levels
  • Reducing pain and muscle spasms
  • Promoting independence
  • Improving quality of life
After a stroke many people experience difficulties performing everyday tasks which can make life more difficult. Our specialised physiotherapists will work closely with you, you partner, family or carers and will advise you on the use of walking aids, splints, supports and home equipment to make your life easier.

During treatment sessions our specialised physiotherapists will lead you through a graduated programme of functional exercises which include:
  • Muscle strength training to reduce muscle weakness.
  • Muscle stretching to help lengthen tight muscles and reduce stiffness.
  • Exercises to build stamina and reduce fatigue.
  • Repetitive exercise to recruit muscles and improve function.
  • Exercises to get the affected side of the body working more effectively.
  • Correcting and varying position to improve balance and coordination.
  • Teaching transfers (getting in and out of a wheelchair, bed, car, shower/bath and onto and off a toilet).
  • Orthotic devices and walking aids to encourage the foot to lift upwards when stepping and prevent injury.
  • Hydrotherapy treatment.
  • Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) to stimulate the nerve supplying the leg and help lift the foot upwards to improve the quality of walking.
Physio.co.uk has experienced neurological physiotherapists that are able to provide treatment that will enable you to reach your maximum potential. To arrange an assessment to get an idea of your rehabilitation potential please call 0330 088 7800, book online or alternatively request a free phone consultation.


Call us on: 0330 088 7800
Phone: 0330 088 7800
Call us on: 0330 088 7800
Mobile: 0330 088 7800
Email us on: office@physio.co.uk
Contact us by post: Our addresses
 
Get treated today!

We have immediate appointments available today. Contact us to make an appointment.

Find out more »

We are open...

Our clinics are open:
Mon - Fri: 8am - 8pm
Saturday: 9am - 5pm
Sunday: 9am - 4pm

 
Find your nearest clinic

Physio.co.uk have clinics located throughout the North West.

Find out more »

Physiolates - Pilates in Manchester Massage.physio.co.uk - View our services