May is National Stroke Awareness Month

May is national stroke awareness month. It is important to be aware of stroke signs, symptoms, causes, and treatments. A stroke is also known as CVA, cerebrovascular accident. “Stroke is a disease that affects the arteries leading to and within the brain. It is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts (or ruptures). When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood (and oxygen) it needs, so it and brain cells die.”

Stroke symptoms may include numbness, confusion, trouble seeing and walking, and severe headaches. If you feel like someone is having a stroke, act F.A.S.T and check for the following:

F - FACE. Is the face drooping on one side when the person smiles?

A - ARM. Have the person raise their arms. Does one arm drift downwards?

S - SPEECH. Does the person's speech sound slurred or different?

T - TIME. If any of the above are observed, call 9-1-1.

Causes of strokes may include:

• High blood pressure
• Smoking
• Obesity
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes

Physical therapy and occupational therapy can help minimize symptoms and improve quality of life after a stroke. Physical therapists work alongside occupational therapists to help stroke patients recover. Physical therapy helps patients rebuild strength and mobility through specific exercises. Your physical therapy treatment plan may include strengthening exercises, exercise rehabilitation, stretches, massage therapy and manual therapy. 

Occupational therapy helps patients improve their sensory and motor skills during the post-stroke recovery. Occupational therapy can help a post-stroke patient learn how to safely eat, bath, dress and complete other daily tasks they need to accomplish throughout their day. An occupational therapist can teach you how to use grab bars in the bath tube, use walkers and canes, and use devices such as can openers to help open jars. At Reddy Care Physical, Occupational and Aquatic Therapy, your physical therapist and/or occupational therapist will evaluate you and design a unique treatment plan tailored specifically for you and your needs.

If you or a loved one is suffering from a stroke, call our office today! Our team of experts can help speed up your recovery process.

Great Neck: 475 Northern Blvd., Ste.11, Great Neck, NY 11021   Tel. (516) 829-0030

Farmingdale: 309 North West Dr., Farmingdale, NY 11735   Tel. (516) 420-2900

Woodbury: 150 Woodbury Rd., Woodbury, NY 11797   Tel. (516) 367-1111

Deer Park: 2024 Deer Park Ave., Deer Park, NY 11729   Tel. (631) 243-0247

North Shore Towers: 272-78 Grand Central Pkwy., Floral Park, NY 11005   Tel. (516) 344-0030

In-Home Physical & Occupational Therapy (Home Care): 516-829-0030 

*Home therapy servicing Long Island, Queens, Staten Island, Brooklyn, the Bronx & Manhattan*

Bayside - Aquatic Therapy: 208-32 Cross Island Pkwy., Bayside, NY11360  Tel. (718) 224-8480 *coming soon*

Sources: Stroke.org

Links: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube

Written by:

Dr. Vinod Somareddy, PT, DPT

President

Reddy Care Physical Therapy

Reddy Care Occupational Therapy

Reddy Care Aquatic Therapy

Author

Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy is an outstanding specialty service providing exceptional care and state-of-the-art treatments for the residents of Farmingdale and Great Neck, New York. The combination of innovative exercise programs, manual therapy, and technology together with the expertise of every member of the team enables Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy to provide services that ensure superior clinical outcomes and consistently high patient satisfaction.