Cardiology
Discover how a personalised rehabilitation plan can optimise your recovery after a brain stroke.
Stroke recovery requires an extensive rehabilitation plan. Mariska Bienedell, a speech therapist at Rehab@Muelmed, a rehabilitation centre at Mediclinic Muelmed, explains why a tailor-made rehabilitation plan boosts your recovery chances after a stroke.
How does a rehabilitation plan improve stroke recovery chances?
A well-structured rehabilitation plan is essential for better stroke recovery, says Bienedell. “We want to optimise recovery, while recognising that full recovery from a stroke isn't always possible. Factors like age, the stroke's location, internal motivation, living conditions, social dynamics, and financial aspects all play a role."
For this reason, rehabilitation plans are tailored to the needs of each patient, considering their specific impairments and challenges, and making sure therapy addresses their unique situation.
Starting therapy as soon as possible is also critical, explains Bienedell, because the brain is most responsive to rehabilitation in the initial weeks and months following a stroke. It maximises the potential for recovery by taking advantage of this period of heightened neuroplasticity, which means the patient’s brain can reorganise itself to compensate for lost functions.
How does your healthcare team support your rehabilitation?
Stroke rehabilitation also takes a multidisciplinary approach. At Rehab@Muelmed, the team includes speech therapists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, doctors, and social workers. They also refer to psychologists, audiologists, dietitians, or neuro-optometrists as needed.
Continuous growth and adaptation are key components of the team’s approach, Bienedell explains. "We constantly review the effectiveness of our process, with the various disciplines and stakeholders collaborating and meeting regularly."
Neuro interest groups in Pretoria and ongoing development programmes for younger therapists contribute to this continuous improvement, she adds. “We have a weekly continued education programme facilitated by senior staff and external professionals. The programme focuses on moving forward and reviewing systems as a therapy group."
Family involvement is also a significant part of the rehabilitation process. "We rely very heavily on family education, training, and observation sessions,” explains Biendell. “Family members are encouraged to observe and participate in the patient’s care. This involvement in the rehabilitation process is critical for effective recovery, ensuring an extensive support system for the patient.”
What role does therapy at home play in stroke recovery?
Therapy at home is a critical component of stroke recovery, as it bridges the gap between hospital discharge and full reintegration into daily life. “Therapy doesn’t stop just because we have discharged the patient back into their home environment,” says Bienedell. “Recovery is more of a marathon than a sprint, where patients might need to take specific steps or come in for follow-ups."
Home-based therapy focuses on helping patients manage everyday tasks, from paying bills to food planning and shopping. This aspect of recovery is essential for building independence and ensuring patients can function effectively in their home environments. This is where the involvement of family members and caregivers is vital. "Stroke recovery is nearly impossible without having a supportive family member, friend, or caregiver involved in that process.”
With the right support from the multidisciplinary healthcare team, family and caregivers, and continuous therapy at home, patients can optimise their recovery chances.
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