Stroke Recovery Rehabilitation
at Irmo

A stroke can cause temporary or permanent paralysis on one side of the body. It can also affect balance, vision, memory, speech, and cognition, and cause other complications, such as muscle spasms and pain. For these reasons, people who have experienced a stroke may have difficulty with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and managing a household.

Occupational therapy stroke rehabilitation practitioners address the physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges brought on by a stroke, and they can help stroke survivors engage in the things they want and need to do.

For example, if you want to remain independent but have one side paralyzed due to a stroke, an OT can show you one-handed techniques for how to do things like open packages, get dressed, cut food, and use a computer.  They can also provide you with adapted equipment to increase your ability to accomplish things on your own.

To help you gain strength and improve your function and endurance, your OT will create an individualized plan of care that helps you learn to use your affected arm and leg more effectively and safely.  To assist you with your cognitive deficits, an OT might incorporate daily activities into stroke therapy to address areas of concern (e.g., handling money and following a schedule).

In addition to working with an OT at Phoenix, physical therapists may also be available to provide stroke physical therapy to help rehabilitate the body following a stroke.