By Dr. Amin A. Khan, Physiotherapy,

A stroke may often end up damaging part of the brain that regulates movement, so it may lead to paralysisor weakness on either side of the body. This can cause problems in performing routine activities such as moving from one place to another.

Once a stroke occurs, the brain is unable to regenerate cells that have been damaged. The physiotherapist usually carries out a diagnosis of your needs and then designs your treatment plan:

1. They will work with the nurse(s) to determine a care plan so that the recovery is not impaired.
2. They provide information about the correct postures that you need to maintain during sleeping and sitting.
3. Decide when you should walk without any external physical support and/or whether you require any supporting equipment.
4. Perform therapy to strengthen your limbs.
5. Advise you on various techniques which you can adopt to come to terms with a normal lifestyle again.

The bottom line is to be active as much as possible once you have recovered. Once the initial assessment is done, the physiotherapist will give you certain exercises to improve your mobility. Problems with maintaining body balance are the most common problems that you may experience once you have suffered a stroke. So, the physiotherapist will focus on that area, keeping your condition in mind. Exercises will also help in improving your flexibility and stamina levels.