Rehabilitation of Stroke Patients

Stroke rehabilitation is an essential process for regaining mobility, independence, and functional abilities that may be affected by a stroke. After a stroke, it is common to experience difficulties with movement, balance, speech, sensation, or memory. Therefore, starting rehabilitation treatment as soon as possible is crucial for improving recovery.

After suffering a stroke, the most important thing is to receive a professional assessment from a neurorehabilitation team , capable of designing a personalized program tailored to the patient’s specific needs. Factors such as the severity, frequency, and therapeutic approach directly influence the prognosis.

At Rehabot, we use a comprehensive approach based on the Bobath Concept , an updated method supported by modern neuroscience that allows us to re-educate movement, improve postural control, and facilitate functional daily activities. We complement this approach with personalized guidelines, home exercises, and ongoing support to enhance the patient’s independence.

How to help a family member who has had a stroke?

Supporting a family member who has suffered a stroke is an emotional and practical challenge for the entire family. However, there are many actions that can make a significant difference in their recovery:

1. To provide a safe and accessible environment

• Adapt the home to prevent falls.
• Ensure ample space to move around comfortably.
• Reduce architectural barriers whenever possible.

2. Maintain a positive and motivating attitude

Emotional support is essential. Depression and lack of motivation are common after a stroke; an active and supportive family presence speeds up recovery.

3. Follow the therapist’s guidelines

It is key to respect professional recommendations:

• Exercises assigned to be done at home.
• Daily repetition of functional activities (dressing, sitting, walking).
• Participation in rehabilitation sessions.

4. Avoid doing everything for the person

A common mistake is overprotecting the patient. Rehabilitation works best when we encourage participation and independence in simple tasks, always with supervision.

5. Participate in therapy

At Rehabot we train the family so they can collaborate in the process:

• We teach safe techniques for moving the patient.
• We explain how to promote correct movements according to the Bobath Concept.
• We offer clear guidelines for continuing progress outside of sessions.

The Importance of Neurorehabilitation

Neurorehabilitation is the foundation of recovery after a stroke. This set of therapeutic interventions aims to help the brain reorganize itself and generate new connections to recover damaged functions: a phenomenon known as neuroplasticity .

Neurorehabilitation is essential because:

✔ Take advantage of brain plasticity

The first few weeks and months after a stroke are the brain’s period of greatest recovery. Early intervention can make a significant difference.

✔ Reduces aftereffects and complications

The appropriate therapy:

• Prevents musculoskeletal deformities.
• It reduces the risk of falls.
• It prevents stiffness and shrinkage.
• Facilitates functional movement patterns.

✔ Promotes a comprehensive recovery

Neurorehabilitation addresses more than just movement. It also works on:

• Coordination
• Balance
• Perception
• Muscle tone
• Independence in basic activities
• Sensory integration
• Social participation

✔ Integrates scientific evidence methodologies

At Rehabot, we use the Bobath Concept , one of the most comprehensive approaches for people with neurological disorders. Bobath offers:

• Global analysis of the movement.
• Facilitation of correct motor patterns.
• Adaptation of functional tasks.
• Person-centered intervention, not technique-centered.

This method is not limited to isolated exercises, but seeks to ensure that each movement has a purpose and is related to real activities such as walking, getting up, washing, or eating.

Home-based rehabilitation: a practical and effective approach

Stroke rehabilitation can be effectively carried out in the patient’s own home. This approach offers numerous advantages:

• Comfort and less stress for the patient.
• Greater adherence to treatment.
• Exercises adapted to the real space where the person lives.
• Direct training in everyday activities.
• Natural participation of the family.

At Rehabot we assess the environment and create a fully personalized plan that allows you to progress at home safely and with motivation.

Activities we work on during stroke rehabilitation

During the rehabilitation process we address specific activities aimed at recovering functionality:

✔ Postural control

We relearn how to keep the body aligned and stable.

✔ Transfers (sitting down and standing up)

We teach safe strategies for moving from one position to another without pain or risk.

✔ Ambulation and gait retraining

We work on gait pattern, balance and displacements.

✔ Arm and hand mobility

We facilitate functional movements such as grasping, reaching, or manipulating objects.

✔ Activities of daily living (ADL)

We retrained essential tasks: dressing, grooming, eating, cooking, or moving around inside the home.

Each exercise is adapted to the patient’s level and focuses on a specific functional goal.

When should stroke rehabilitation begin?

Ideally, treatment should begin as soon as possible , preferably within the first few weeks after the episode. Early intervention:

• Increases the probability of recovering functions.
• It reduces the risk of complications.
• Take advantage of greater brain plasticity.

Even so, rehabilitation remains useful months and even years after a stroke, as the brain retains long-term learning capacity.

Who is in charge of rehabilitation?

Stroke rehabilitation should be carried out by a therapist specializing in neurorehabilitation , with experience in neurological disorders.
At Rehabot:

• We conduct detailed evaluations.
• We set achievable and measurable goals.
• We use safe and effective techniques.
• We provide emotional support to the patient and their family.

The main goal is for the person to regain as much independence as possible in their daily life. Book your appointment and receive specialized treatment at home, with therapists who are experts in stroke and the Bobath Concept.