The Importance of Occupational Therapy After a Stroke

A stroke can be a life-changing event that can impact a person's physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being.

It can cause long-term disability, affecting their ability to carry out daily activities and participate in society as they did previously. However, with the right care and rehabilitation, stroke survivors can regain their independence and quality of life.

What is Occupational Therapy?

The goal of Occupational Therapy is to help individuals maintain or regain function and independence. This may involve a range of techniques, such as modifying the home environment or introducing new equipment to help them achieve goals. With the support of an Occupational Therapist, individuals can overcome challenges and better engage in activities that are meaningful to them.

How do they help stroke survivors?

Stroke survivors often face a variety of challenges that can affect their daily activities, including difficulty with mobility, self-care, and communication.

Neuroplasticity is the ability of your brain to establish its own neural networks and grow, changing how it functions. Neuroplasticity is the foundation of stroke rehabilitation, as it enables the brain to reorganise itself through experience - learning of new skills and recovering impaired skills.

Repetitive and task-specific practise is the most effective means of promoting neuroplasticity, as it stimulates the brain and reinforces the demand for those functions. An Occupational Therapist may help a stroke survivor practise cutting putty with utensils to simulate cutting food in preparation for eating. With regular practise, this experience helps stimulate the brain and enhance the ability to use utensils, which can eventually be used to feed yourself independently.

An Occupational Therapist's approach involves a combination of physical, cognitive, and emotional interventions to address the unique needs of each individual.

Physical Interventions

Occupational Therapists (OTs) help individuals regain their ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) and to participate in meaningful activities. They do this through 'functional re-training', which can include learning how to write again or how to eat and drink without assistance. Additionally, they may recommend and prescribe the use of assistive devices to improve physical functioning, such as modified utensils for eating. 

Sometimes vision can also be affected post-stroke. OTs help with this by completing a vision screen, referring the person to specialist services for neurological vision assessments, and assessing the home for vision-related home modifications and equipment.

Cognitive Interventions

The cognitive effects of stroke may include changes in memory, problem solving and concentration - skills that are essential for day-to-day activities. Occupational Therapists complete cognitive assessments to help identify what areas of cognition have been affected. To improve cognitive functioning, they can use brain-teasers, memory games, puzzles, and problem-solving exercises. Additionally, they may recommend the use of compensatory strategies such as using a calendar or reminder system to help individuals manage their daily activities.

A lot of people also have their license suspended or revoked after a stroke, so an OT can assess for suitability, prescribe scooters, or help with cognitive retraining so they can return to driving again.

Emotional Interventions

Studies show that up to one-third of stroke survivors develop depression. It is also common for them to experience anxiety, frustration, and grief, among others. Occupational Therapists can help individuals manage their emotions and cope with the changes that may have occurred as a result of their stroke. They assist through the use of counselling, stress management techniques, and relaxation exercises. They may also recommend the use of a social worker to discuss their struggles one on one, support groups or other community resources to help individuals connect with others who are going through similar experiences.

In conclusion, Occupational Therapists play a crucial role in the rehabilitation process of stroke survivors by supporting them to regain their independence and improve their quality of life after a stroke. By addressing physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges, Occupational Therapists help individuals overcome daily obstacles, achieve their goals and live fulfilling lives.
 

Sources:

• https://strokefoundation.org.au/media/2i5bu1in/upper-limp-management-after-stroke.pdf
• https://www.saebo.com/blog/simplified-guide-occupational-therapy-strokes/
• https://www.stroke.org.uk/sites/default/files/publications/occupational_therapy_after_stroke_guide.pdf
• https://www.stroke.org.uk/sites/default/files/occupational_therapy_after_stroke.pdf
• https://www.aota.org/-/media/corporate/files/aboutot/professionals/whatisot/rdp/facts/stroke-rehab-fact-sheet.pdf
• https://www.flintrehab.com/activities-of-daily-living-after-stroke/
• https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/effects-of-stroke