Rehabilitation Specialists

Programs | Goals |  Specialists | Maximizing benefits

Not every person who has a stroke will work with every kind of specialist. Below is a list of the types of professionals who deal with recovery from stroke:

Physician - all patients in stroke rehabilitation have a doctor in charge of their care. Some of these may be internists or family doctors (primary care doctors); geriatricians, doctors who work with older patients; neurologists, specialists in the brain and nervous systems and physiatrist who specialize in physical medicine and rehabilitation.

Rehabilitation nurse - specialize in nursing care for people with disabilities. They provide direct care, educate patients and families and help the doctor coordinate care.

Physical therapist - evaluate and treat problems with moving, balance and coordination. They provide training and exercise to improve walking, getting in and out of a bed or chair, and moving around and keeping balance. They teach family members how to help with exercises for the person and how to help the person move or walk.

Occupational therapists - provide exercise and practice to help people do the things they could do before the stroke such as eating, bathing, dressing, writing, or cooking.

Speech-language pathologists - help people get back language skills and learn other ways to communicate. Teaching families how to improve communication is very important. These specialists also work with patients who have swallowing problems.

Psychologists - are concerned with the mental and emotional health of patients. They use interviews and tests to identify and understand problems. They may also treat thinking or memory problems.

Therapeutic recreation specialist - help patients return to activities they enjoyed before the stroke such as cards, gardening, bowling or community activities.

Other professionals - An orthotist may make special braces to support weak ankles and feet. A urologist may help with bladder problems. Dietitians make sure the person has a healthy diet during rehabilitation. They also educate family about proper diet after the patient leaves the program. Vocational counselors may help patients go back to work.

Sources for this report include the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke and Consumer Guide No. #16 AHQR pub. no. 95-0664 US Agency For Healthcare Research and Quality.

As the world’s top supplier of commercial blood pressure monitors and health management systems, Lifeclinic is committed to helping to improve the health and wellbeing of individuals across the globe. Active monitoring of blood pressure, heart rate, weight, body fat, body mass index (BMI) and blood oxygen levels when combined with proper diet, nutrition and physical fitness can help ensure a longer, more healthy lifestyle.

© 2009 Lifeclinic International, Inc.