The Role of Occupational Therapy in Stroke Recovery

According to the CDC:

• In the U.S. in 2022, ⅙ deaths from cardiovascular disease was caused by a stroke 

• Every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. has a stroke, and every 3 minutes and 11 seconds, someone dies of a stroke in the U.S. 

• Stroke is the leading cause of serious long term disability 

• High BP, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, and diabetes are the leading causes of stroke. One in three US adults has at least one of these conditions. 

Many strokes can be prevented through healthy lifestyle changes and working with a health care team to manage these conditions, lowering your risk factors. 

Occupational Therapists collaborate closely with individuals affected by stroke to restore independence, educate clients and caregivers on managing symptoms, and provide strategies for daily life at home. They focus on strengthening the upper body, offering valuable feedback, and helping individuals rediscover meaningful activities, empowering them to return to the things they enjoy and need to do.

Occupational Therapists specialization: 

Activities of daily living: 

• Feeding/eating

• Grooming  

• Toileting

• Dressing 

• Sleep

• Transfers 

• Bathing

Instrumental Activities of daily living (IADLs)

• Cooking/meal preparation      

• Cleaning/household management        

• Driving 

• Financial management 

• Shopping 

• Hobbies

• Working 

Managing Spasticity 

Spasticity, or "hypertonicity," is a common and persistent challenge for many individuals following a stroke. It often results in reduced functional ability in the affected limb, making self-care tasks and daily activities more difficult. Occupational therapists play a key role in tone management by utilizing a range of techniques, including functional exercises, functional electrical stimulation (FES), and weight-bearing activities. These interventions help promote neural activity, enhance motor function, and restore use of the affected limb. Additionally, therapists provide valuable education on managing spasticity, including guidance on medical management options and when to consult a physician for further treatment.

Neuromuscular re-education 

Occupational therapists use neuromuscular re-education to help individuals recover after a stroke by retraining the brain and body to restore normal movement patterns and muscle control. This approach involves techniques that focus on improving muscle strength, coordination, and motor control, addressing the motor deficits that often occur after a stroke. This can be accomplished through targeted exercises, the use of functional electrical stimulation, proprioceptive training, task specific training and more.

Vision 

Vision issues, such as spatial inattention and difficulties with eye movement, are common after a stroke. Occupational therapists help address these challenges by using targeted exercises that enhance spatial awareness, improve eye tracking, and support proper eye movement, as well as other vision-related concerns.

Education in orthosis and adaptive equipment 

Adaptive equipment and orthoses play a crucial role in enhancing independence, safety, and functionality. Additional equipment can assist in managing spasticity, improving limb positioning, and boosting overall performance, enabling individuals to regain greater control in daily activities.

To schedule an Occupational Therapy Evaluation with one of our skilled therapists, please call us at 760-704-8237 or email us at info@neurolab360.com

Reference: National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion; About the Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention