Rehabilitation is a team effort. The team of stroke
rehabilitation specialists usually includes physiatrists,
neurologists, rehabilitation nurses, physical and occupational
therapists, speech and language pathologists, psychologists, social
workers, recreational therapists, and case managers. This team
seeks to reduce disability in the following six areas:
- Mobility (e.g., moving in bed, getting up from a chair, sitting
on a toilet)
- Locomotion (e.g., walking or using a wheelchair, climbing
stairs)
- Self care (e.g., brushing teeth, dressing, cooking, driving a
car, etc.)
- Communication (e.g., speech problems, difficulty remembering
appropriate words, swallowing problems)
- Cognition (e.g., mental functioning and organization, memory
problems)
- Control of bowel and bladder function
The team addresses these problems by providing education to the
patient and family. The team also helps the patient to use exercise
and training to make the best use of muscles that are recovering.
Expert medical treatment from the team is meant to simplify the
care that is needed so that the patient can return to home, family
and work.
The team members--physiatrists, physical therapists,
occupational therapists and speech therapists--are discussed
in more detail.
Physiatrists
Physiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in physical
medicine and rehabilitation including pain management and spine
problems. They help people regain function after surgery, a stroke,
or an injury.
Physiatrists lead a team of health professionals that may
include rehabilitation nurses, physical therapists, occupational
therapists, speech therapists, therapeutic recreational specialists
and social workers. These rehabilitation specialists work together
to improve a person's recovery from an illness, surgery, or injury
with the goal of returning to their previous lifestyle of
independence.
Physical therapists
Physical therapists can help stroke patients to regain strength and
mobility. Therapists can help patients learn how to use walking
aids such as crutches, a walker, or a cane when needed.
Occupational therapists
Occupational therapists can teach patients how to modify the home
and workplace environments for safer and more effective mobility.
Occupational therapists can recommend assistive devices to aid in
tasks such as driving, bathing, dressing, housekeeping, and certain
work activities.
Speech therapists
Speech-language therapists can help stroke patients maintain as
many communication skills as possible. Therapists also can teach
communication techniques that conserve energy, including non-verbal
communication skills. Speech-language therapists are also available
to:
- Recommend appropriate communication techniques to provide
treatment that will aid in the success of daily activities.
- Treat all types of speech, language, and communication
problems.
Prosthetists and orthotists
Prosthetists specialize in the fabrication of artificial limbs
(prostheses) and orthotists specialize in fabricating devices
(orthotics) to support or control a part of the body--such as an
arm or leg--that has been impaired due to recent surgery, stroke or
injury. These devices include a range of splints, braces and
special footwear. The prosthetists and orthotists work alongside
doctors, nurses, physical therapists and occupational therapists to
provide the best possible rehabilitation.