Occupational Therapy for Stroke Recovery

Overview

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 brain damage or even death. A brain can heal itself after a stroke, even though it has been deprived of blood and may have damaged nerve cells. While physical and mental changes can occur following a stroke, stroke victims can and do regain function; the brain is a fighter and does attempt to heal itself. Cells that are damaged but not beyond repair begin to regenerate; new cells are even created in a process called neurogenesis. A brain stroke recovery time generally depends on the severity of the stroke and related complications. Some stroke survivors recover quickly. But most require some form of long-term stroke rehabilitation, lasting perhaps months or years after the stroke. Strokes are one of the leading factors of disability, and the survivors face a lot of challenges in their everyday routine. Two types of strokes are commonly found, Ischemic stroke is caused by a blockage in one of the blood vessels which supply oxygen and other important nutrients to the brain. If the artery remains blocked for more than a few minutes, and enough blood can’t get through, the brain can become damaged. The majority of strokes are ischemic. Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when blood vessels in our brain leak or rupture, causing bleeding in or around the brain.

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 aim of stroke rehabilitation is to assist and encourage you relearn skills which you lost when stroke affected a certain part of your brain or cognitive functioning. Stroke rehabilitation also helps you regain independence and improve the quality of your life. The practitioners assist 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. Researchers have discovered that people who participate and engage actively in a focused stroke rehabilitation program perform better than those people who do not go understroke rehabilitation program. It ranges from rehabilitation to at-home care and covers every aspect needed for smooth and better functioning of the individual like physical therapy, remedies and even your diet.

How does occupational therapy help in stroke recovery?

A stroke survivor faces 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 after-effects of a stroke can be severe, 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 physical and emotional barriers as far as possible.

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

Homoeopathic remedies for stroke recovery

A stroke befalls when the blood supply to the brain is cut off somehow. Brain cells, being deprived of oxygen, eventually die, further causing a stroke. There is much homoeopathic medication available for the stroke recovery process, but here are a few which are most commonly indicated:

1. Allium Sativa: Allium Sativa is made up of garlic. Garlic is an exceptional cardiovascular tonic and is believed to improve heart disease, circulation and thin the blood.
2. Lachesis: Lachesis is a great remedy for post-stroke paralysis affecting the left side of your body. People with such strokes have seen to suffer from high blood pressure, hot flushes and sensitivity to things around their neck.
3. Gingko Biloba: Gingko Biloba or maidenhair is a useful remedy for improving circulation. This herb is known to decrease platelets and clotting, so best not to pop it with blood thinners. It can also help with memory loss related to poor blood flow. 
4. Vinca Minor: Vinca Minor is a great herb for strokes as it improves blood circulation to your brain. It helps with cognitive function, vision and tinnitus.
5. Crotalus Horridus: Crotalus Horridus is a stroke remedy which is beneficial for post-stroke paralysis, which tends to affect the right side of our body. It is fitted for the types of people who may be overly muttering, talkative and depressive. They tend to focus on thoughts of cerebral decay and death. They can be irritable, agitated and cross.

Foods that help stroke recovery

The following foods help with stroke recovery because they promote the protein brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). BDNF is great fuel for stroke recovery because it enhances neurogenesis, which involves the creation of new neurons in the brain. So if you want to boost brain health and recovery after stroke, be sure to include these foods in your diet.

• Avoid Saturated Fat and Refined Sugar
• Omega 3’s from Fish
• Blueberries
• Pomegranate
• Tomatoes
• Nuts and Seeds
• Avocados
• Beans

Homoeopathy helps in recovery proceeding your stroke, along with changes in lifestyle, mainly the diet. Eat fresh fruit and veggies every day to minimise the risk of any future strokes. Fat is one of the root cause of strokes. Excluding saturated fat from processed foods and meat will drastically reduce your risk of strokes.

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