Physiotherapy Treatment For Stroke Patients in Malaysia

March 24, 2021
Physiotherapy Treatment For Stroke Patient

Previously, we have covered the fundamental knowledge and symptoms of stroke on our blog article. While we have explained what exactly stroke is and what to look out for, it's about time we go into the different physiotherapy treatments that are available for many stroke patients out there.


In this article, let's explore the various approaches, benefits and long-term effects of receiving physiotherapy treatment for stroke patients, especially when professionally treated by a well-regarded stroke rehabilitation centre in Malaysia!




A quick recap of stroke


When a person experiences a stroke, he/she is suffering from a serious disconnection between your brain and specific muscles on the body. 


This is exactly the reason strokes are the number one cause of long-term disability as stroke patients often result in a loss of mobility and movement.


While many stroke patients suffer from a major drop in quality of life as a result, this isn't necessarily a permanent disability. In fact, stroke rehabilitation plays a vital part in the beginning stages of stroke recovering, especially when it comes to patients with little to no control of their affected muscles.




What is the purpose of physiotherapy treatment for stroke patients?


When it comes to the purpose of post-stroke physiotherapy and rehabilitation programs, there are four main goals that physiotherapy treatments are focused on achieving (depending on the patient's need, of course).


These generally are:

  • To recover the relevant motor skills that were affected by stroke
  • To regain communication capabilities
  • To recover cognitive abilities if affected
  • To recover self mobility and independence




The different physiotherapy treatment for stroke patients and their benefits:



1.  Positioning


The practice of positioning in physiotherapy in stroke parents is aimed at trying to promote optimal recovery and comfort by modulating muscle tone, providing appropriate sensory information, increasing spatial awareness, improved ability to interact with the environment and prevention of complications such as pressure sores.


It is often done after an initial assessment and using devices to support and assist the positioning of different parts of the patient's body, including elevation and manual handling of the affected patient's body position. 



2.  Early Mobilisation


As immobility is a common symptom of post-stroke complications such as deep vein thrombosis, the early mobilization treatment approach targets to reduce downtime of patients staying in bed and encourage physical activity of the patient outside of bedrest.


This can include movements and activities such as sitting out of bed, standing and walking.



3.  Balancing


While everyday folks take balancing for granted, stroke patients are commonly affected by balancing issues as they often suffer from reduced limb and trunk motor control.


This is compounded by an altered or loss in sensation of their body posture. As a result, the impaired balance increases the risk of falls.


Physiotherapy methods on balance often come in the form of:

  • Sitting
  • Standing


This approach to physiotherapy include practicing functional, task-specific training and movements while standing, walking and establishing standing balance (for example, walking through on obstacle course).


Patients might also receive lower-limb strength training exercises.



4.  Gait & Mobility


One of the highest priority in terms of achieving the desired result of physiotherapy for stroke patients is to regain their mobility and independence.


This treatment approach uses equipments and varying methods such as walking-oriented leg exercises.



5.  Treadmill Training


Last but not least, treadmill training is a great method that is very commonly utilised for gait recovery and improvements in bodily aerobic function.


This can be done via weight-supported harnesses for patients to gradually increase more and more body weight supported by their lower body. 


Therapists are often on-hand to improve gait measures such as alternative stepping and weight-bearing to improve what many would call a gait cycle.


Treadmill training gives stroke patients an opportunity to improve their walking independence, speed, endurance as well as their aerobic fitness in general.




Choose Well Rehab as your trusted stroke rehabilitation centre in Malaysia


Ensuring our patient's quality of life improves even after suffering a stroke drives all of us at Well Rehab.


As Malaysia's leading provider of physiotherapy treatment for stroke patients, we are the preferred, qualified and certified professionals that are trusted nationwide.


For more information about our therapies or services as the leading stroke rehabilitation centre in Malaysia, you may contact us at +60 12 512 8487 or email wellrehabmanagement@gmail.com.

The Benefits of Occupational Therapy for Special Needs Children in Malaysia

By Wei Qing Lee • June 23, 2024
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How Occupational Therapy Supports Special Needs Education in Malaysian Schools

By Wei Qing Lee • June 23, 2024
Special needs education in Malaysia is evolving, with an increasing emphasis on integrating occupational therapy (OT) into the school system. This approach not only supports the educational needs of special needs children but also enhances their overall development. This article delves into how occupational therapy supports special needs education in Malaysian schools, helping both teachers and students achieve better educational outcomes. Integration in Schools Occupational therapy in schools involves the collaboration of occupational therapists with educators to create an inclusive learning environment. Therapists work within the school setting to assess students' needs, develop individualized intervention plans, and implement strategies that support learning and participation in school activities. Support for Teachers and Students Helping Teachers Adapt Lessons One of the critical roles of occupational therapists in schools is to assist teachers in adapting lessons to meet the needs of special needs students. This can involve modifying classroom activities, providing alternative teaching materials, and suggesting strategies to manage sensory and behavioral issues. By making these adjustments, teachers can create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment. Providing Students with Coping Strategies Occupational therapists equip students with strategies to cope with classroom challenges. This can include sensory integration techniques to help children manage sensory overload, exercises to improve focus and attention, and tools to enhance fine motor skills required for writing and other tasks. These strategies enable students to participate more fully in classroom activities and improve their academic performance. Programs and Initiatives Several programs and initiatives in Malaysian schools incorporate occupational therapy to support special needs education. These programs often involve multidisciplinary teams working together to address the diverse needs of students. For example, schools may have dedicated sensory rooms designed by occupational therapists to provide a safe and controlled environment for children to manage sensory issues. Additionally, collaborative efforts between therapists and educators ensure that each child's unique needs are met through personalized education plans.  Conclusion Occupational therapy plays a crucial role in supporting special needs education in Malaysian schools. By helping teachers adapt lessons and providing students with coping strategies, occupational therapists contribute to a more inclusive and effective educational environment. The integration of OT into the school system ensures that special needs children receive the support they need to succeed academically and develop essential life skills. For parents and educators, recognizing the value of occupational therapy can make a significant difference in the educational journey of special needs children.

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