Physical Rehabilitation after Acquired Brain Injury  (Stroke and Traumatic Brain Injury)

"They told me I wouldn't get any better."

At STEPS for Recovery we offer rehabilitation for people with a variety of neurologic deficits, but we specialize in the treatment of stroke and brain injury. Our therapists have pursued advanced and specialized training in the rehabilitation of walking, arm function, hand function/fine motor control, language, swallowing, cognition, and overall function in life activities after a brain injury. Using a restorative philosophy that draws on the most effective treatment approaches, our therapists have helped many patients regain movement, speech, and independence both immediately after a stroke or brain injury and also many years post-injury.

There has been a tremendous amount of research over the last 25 years that looks at the ability of the brain to change and recover after an injury.  This is called neuroplasticity.   What we have learned from this research is that the brain is capable of changing and adapting depending on the stresses or influences placed upon it, regardless of the amount of time since injury, and that you have to “use it” or you will “lose it”. What this means for you, is that even if your stroke or brain injury occurred a long time ago, it is still possible to make changes. But once you start to make those changes, you will have to practice, practice, practice so that you can integrate what you are learning and it can become a part of you.

If your injury was a long time ago, you will have many challenges to overcome. If muscles and other soft tissue are tight and contracted or bones have changed shape, it may impact your ultimate outcomes. Likewise, if you have developed cognitive or communicative dependence on a spouse or caretaker, these habits may be more difficult to overcome. From a rehabilitation perspective, while we may be able to make a change in the way that you move or communicate during your therapy session, carry over to your life outside of therapy will depend on how, and how much you practice on your own. This is true even if your injury was a short time ago. But if you have been compensating with your less affected side, or you rely on caregivers to communicate or organize, you will have to work hard to change habits and ways of moving that have been a part of you since your injury. It will take discipline and dedication, but it can be done.

LIFE IS THERAPY

We recognize that every person’s needs are unique so every person gets individualized treatment. Incorporating each person’s interests into therapy as much as possible leads to better participation in the process and a more enjoyable experience overall. We truly believe that “Life is Therapy” so when we are able to utilize a person’s hobbies and interests to promote movement, communication, and function, rehabilitation becomes not a series of exercises to perform every day, but a series of activities that are relevant to the person and also therapeutic at the same time.  Research in the field of neuroscience has taught us that the best results are achieved when activities are relevant and meaningful and when they are repeated often. It’s much easier to practice an activity that you enjoy and are motivated to return to!

SPEAKING OF PRACTICE…

The rehabilitation process is an interactive process that depends on the participation of ALL members of the team, from the therapist and other medical professionals to family, friends, and caregivers, but most importantly, the PATIENT!  Therapy is the time to initiate and refine movement, communication, and life skills to progress your program, but the real work is done in the days and hours between sessions. Home practice and follow through on exercises, activities, and therapy recommendations is crucial for a positive outcome in this process. Your therapist will work with you to provide appropriate activities and strategies to help you progress, but it is up to each individual to take these recommendations into account and put them into practice. Make no mistake, rehabilitation is hard work, but working together we can all achieve great things!