SARASOTA COUNTY (WSNN) – Recovery from a stroke looks different for everybody, but you don’t have to struggle alone.
For some, it affects your vision. For others, it affects your arm movement.
“It’s really important that you seek that medical attention right away and know what to do, Encompass Health Rehab Hospital’s Director of Therapy Operations, Matt Shouse said. “Don’t blow it off like it’s a silly illness or I’ve got a common cold. It could be very serious.”
Strokes are the most referred diagnosis at Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital.
“You could have 25 people in the same month that were admitted that they had a stroke, but they’re all different people,” Shouse said. “They all have different impairments; they all have different conditions.”
It all starts with an evaluation, from checking your strength and sensation to how well you can get out of bed and dress yourself.
“Really, all those aspects that we take for granted, in part of our daily lives, unfortunately, they may not be able to do those things or all those things,” Shouse said.
Treatment is not a one-size-fits-all anymore.
“Whereas before, years and years ago, it was simply getting somebody moving,” Shouse said. “Now, it’s how can we get them moving the right way.”
Research has come a long way. While technology has been a game-changer, it can’t replace the people caring for the patient.
“Every person that has a stroke is much different than the person next to them that might have had the same stroke,” Shouse said. “Because of that, one-on-one individual attention is what makes the biggest difference; not only physically, but emotionally and also mentally, after such a condition can affect somebody.”
While recovering from a stroke may be taxing on your body, Encompass Health has a treatment plan specific for you.
