The Top 8 Physiotherapy Exercises for Stroke Patients

Stroke patients, especially older stroke patients, can face some unique physical challenges as they recover. They may experience loss of strength in their limbs, loss of mobility in their limbs, and even paralysis of certain muscles or limbs as they recuperate from the stroke itself. Fortunately, certain physiotherapy exercises can help to speed up their recovery process and help them get back on their feet after the stroke has taken its toll on their bodies. Here are 8 of the most effective physiotherapy exercises for stroke patients to help them recover after the stroke has made its mark on their bodies.

1) Gait training

Gait training of stroke patient 

Gait training is an important part of physiotherapy for stroke patients. It helps improve balance and coordination, and can also help reduce the risk of falls. The following exercises can help stroke patients with gait training Flex-and-hold: 

   With a therapist's assistance, flex one foot up to your shin and hold it there for 10 seconds before switching to the other leg. 

 Do 2 sets of 10 repetitions per leg. To make this exercise more challenging, hold onto a chair or table with one hand while you do it; stand on one foot while doing the exercise; or walk forward (with someone behind you holding your waist) as you do them.

2) Strength training

1. Start by working on your range of motion and flexibility.

2. Next, focus on endurance training to build up your stamina.

3. Now it’s time to work on strength training.

4. One way to do this is by using resistance bands or weights.

5. Another way to build strength is by doing body-weight exercises like push-ups or sit-ups.

6. You can also try balance exercises to help improve your coordination and proprioception (sense of where your body is in space).

7. Finally, don’t forget to focus on your breathing

3) Range of motion training

One of the best things stroke patients can do is a range of motion training. This type of exercise helps to improve joint function and flexibility, as well as reduces pain and stiffness. To do this, simply move your joints through their full range of motion several times a day. You can do this with or without resistance, depending on your comfort level. Simply hold the weight of your arm or leg that you are moving. If you have difficulty doing it by yourself, ask someone else to help you by putting light pressure on one side of your limb and then gradually releasing it as you complete the movement. The goal is not to resist them in any way, but rather just enough so that they can feel where they are trying to move their body parts. 

  Do each movement at least 10 times before switching to another one (you should also stretch out after completing a set).

ROMs training of Stroke patients 

4) Sensory stimulation

Sensory stimulation is one of the most important things you can do for a stroke patient. It helps to stimulate the brain and can help the patient recover lost functions. There are many ways to provide sensory stimulation, but some of the best exercises include - Swinging your arms in large circles to create dizziness 

1. Holding objects that feel different from what the patient usually uses 

2. Using your fingers to touch as many items as possible 

3. Slowing movements down 

4. Repeating actions so they become second nature.

5) Splinting

When you have a stroke, the muscles in your affected arm or leg can become very tight. This is called spasticity. Splinting helps to stretch out the muscles and reduce spasticity. It also helps to prevent the joints in your affected arm or leg from becoming frozen in one position.

Splint for Stroke patients 

6) Self-care training

Self-care training is an important part of physiotherapy. It helps patients become more independent and able to care for themselves. The following exercises are designed to help stroke patients regain movement and strength in their affected arms and legs. They can be done at home with the help of a family member or loved one.

This is the most important thing you can do for your recovery! Do it 3 times a day, every day! 

Start slowly with about 10 repetitions each, building up to 20 as tolerated. Try not to put too much weight on your unaffected side while doing these exercises as this may affect balance and make it difficult to walk properly.

7) Education 

If you  or a loved one has suffered a stroke, you know how debilitating the effects can be. One of the best things you can do is start physiotherapy as soon as possible. The sooner you start, the better the chances of a full recovery.

There are many different exercises that can be helpful for stroke patients, but here are eight of the best.

8) Muscle re-education

1. Start by working with your physiotherapist to establish which muscles are weak or not working properly.

2. Once you know which muscles need to be re-educated, you can begin doing exercises that focus on those specific muscles.

3. One of the best exercises for stroke patients is to sit in a chair and lift their legs up and down, using only the muscles in their thighs.

4. Another good exercise is to lie on your back and lift your head and shoulders off the ground, using only your neck and shoulder muscles.

5. You can also do exercises that work on balance, such as standing on one leg or walking heel-to-toe in a straight line.