Occupational Therapy for Stroke Recovery

Stroke is similar to a heart attack where the blood flow to some part of the brain is cut off which deprives the brains cells of oxygen needed for survival and if not diagnosed can cause permanent damage or even death. Strokes are one of the leading causes of disability and the survivors face a lot of challenges in their everyday routine.

What is occupational therapy?

Occupational therapy interventions help stroke survivors get through everyday life and try and overcome their difficulties to perform daily activities. The practitioners help the people with disabilities to live their life to the fullest despite their condition and aid in post-stroke recovery. The practice is based out of scientific facts and has shown results as the occupational practitioners are trained professionally to understand your condition and help you face the challenges. It ranges from rehabilitation to at home care and covers every aspect needed for smooth and better functioning of the individual.

How does occupational therapy help in stroke recovery?

A stroke survivor face many physical and emotional alterations that prevent them from leading an independent life and perform daily activities without any challenges. Depending on the extent of the stroke, the impact on the individual varies. Occupational therapy services are based on the individual’s requirements and the professional work with the survivor and his family, understand the requirements, adapt to the environment and provide services. The aim is to ensure the patient engages in activities, pursues their occupation and leads a healthy lifestyle preventing another stroke.

The idea behind this therapy is to ensure that the person leads a life to his maximum potential and normalcy after discharge. This includes making modifications at home if required, wheelchair facilities, training them to engage in productive activities. The effects of a stroke can be harsh and disabilities caused are long term which will require a coping mechanism. This therapy aims at helping the individual experience as much independence as possible practically and helps the person accept the condition and overcome the physically and emotional barriers as far as possible.

Occupational therapy is not just some day care or domestic help facility but an evidence based practice that will help with an overall coping mechanism.