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Strokes & Physical Therapy in Cheyenne WY
A stroke occurs when the blood flow to the brain is cut off and brain cells begin to die as a result of the loss of oxygen. In the U.S., almost 800,000 people experience a stroke every year. Strokes are often fatal—in fact, stroke is considered the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S. Learn more about what stroke is here. If you have suffered a stroke, it’s important to know the many ways that physical therapy in Cheyenne WY can help you during your recovery.
Walking Aids
Many people who have suffered a stroke will need to use some sort of walking aid to get around. If you will need a walker, cane, or wheelchair after a stroke, let a physical therapist help you find one with the perfect fit. For example, a physical therapist will help you find a wheelchair with the perfect seat width by measuring your hips and adding two inches onto this measurement. If you use a walking aid or wheelchair that does not fit your body properly, you may develop aches and pains that bother you even when you are not moving around.
Balance
If you have suffered a stroke, you may struggle with maintaining your balance. This occurs because one side of the body is typically weaker after a stroke, which will throw off your stance, and therefore your balance. This may not seem like a serious issue, but if you can’t find your balance, you are at a greater risk of falling and seriously injuring yourself. Luckily, a physical therapist can develop a treatment program designed to improve your balance and reduce your fall risk. This may include gentle exercises to strengthen your muscles that keep you upright, or fall prevention strategies such as removing any obstacles in your home that may trip you.
Education
If you’ve had a stroke, there’s a possibility that you could suffer from another one in the future. Part of your physical therapy treatment program could consist of education for you and your family members so everyone knows how to quickly spot the signs of a stroke. A key to spotting a stroke is remembering the acronym F.A.S.T., which stands for Face drooping, Arms drifting downward, Slurred speech, and Time to call 9-1-1. Once you spot any of these symptoms, it’s imperative to call for emergency help. If you and your family members know how to spot a stroke, you will be able to quickly get help if you do have another one in the future. The sooner you receive treatment for a stroke, the better the outcome may be. Â
At North Platte Physical Therapy, we’re dedicated to helping clients recover from strokes. If you or a loved one has suffered a stroke, contact North Platte Physical Therapy to learn more about how we can help during recovery. Our staff is praised throughout the Wyoming and Nebraska areas for our commitment to our clients. We can fulfill comprehensive physical therapy services, and would be happy to customize a treatment plan for your personal needs.
Walking Aids
Many people who have suffered a stroke will need to use some sort of walking aid to get around. If you will need a walker, cane, or wheelchair after a stroke, let a physical therapist help you find one with the perfect fit. For example, a physical therapist will help you find a wheelchair with the perfect seat width by measuring your hips and adding two inches onto this measurement. If you use a walking aid or wheelchair that does not fit your body properly, you may develop aches and pains that bother you even when you are not moving around.
Balance
If you have suffered a stroke, you may struggle with maintaining your balance. This occurs because one side of the body is typically weaker after a stroke, which will throw off your stance, and therefore your balance. This may not seem like a serious issue, but if you can’t find your balance, you are at a greater risk of falling and seriously injuring yourself. Luckily, a physical therapist can develop a treatment program designed to improve your balance and reduce your fall risk. This may include gentle exercises to strengthen your muscles that keep you upright, or fall prevention strategies such as removing any obstacles in your home that may trip you.
Education
If you’ve had a stroke, there’s a possibility that you could suffer from another one in the future. Part of your physical therapy treatment program could consist of education for you and your family members so everyone knows how to quickly spot the signs of a stroke. A key to spotting a stroke is remembering the acronym F.A.S.T., which stands for Face drooping, Arms drifting downward, Slurred speech, and Time to call 9-1-1. Once you spot any of these symptoms, it’s imperative to call for emergency help. If you and your family members know how to spot a stroke, you will be able to quickly get help if you do have another one in the future. The sooner you receive treatment for a stroke, the better the outcome may be. Â
At North Platte Physical Therapy, we’re dedicated to helping clients recover from strokes. If you or a loved one has suffered a stroke, contact North Platte Physical Therapy to learn more about how we can help during recovery. Our staff is praised throughout the Wyoming and Nebraska areas for our commitment to our clients. We can fulfill comprehensive physical therapy services, and would be happy to customize a treatment plan for your personal needs.