Health Guide » 
Overview
What is stroke rehabilitation?
In the United States, more than 700,000 people each year have a stroke.1 Two-thirds of them survive and need rehabilitation to recover abilities and relearn skills lost because of the resulting brain damage.
After a stroke, a combination of physical, speech, and occupational therapies can help you manage the basics of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and eating. A team that includes your doctor, a variety of therapists, and nurses will work with you to overcome disabilities, learn new ways to accomplish tasks, and strengthen parts of your body impaired by the stroke.
Whatever your individual needs, the sooner rehabilitation starts, the greater the benefit. Your drive to get better, experienced caregivers, strong family support, and a nurturing environment will have a positive effect on your recovery.
What types of disabilities might I have after a stroke?
The type and severity of disabilities from a stroke depend upon the area of the brain that was affected.
Paralysis on one side of the body is common, with pain, numbness, or tingling in your limbs. You may have difficulty walking, coordinating body movements, and swallowing and eating. You may have sensory problems that affect your sense of touch or ability to feel hot and cold.
Speech and language problems are common for those who've had a stroke. Some people may not be able to understand written or spoken language, while others may not be able to express their own thoughts. Memory and learning may also be affected.
Urinary incontinence is also common after a stroke but is usually temporary.
Fear, anxiety, anger, sadness, frustration, and grief are common emotional challenges following a stroke.
Will I get better, or will my disabilities be permanent?
The brain is a remarkable organ that has the ability to heal itself to some degree. Parts of the brain that have not been affected by the stroke may be able to take over for the damaged areas and learn some of the tasks formerly controlled by the affected areas.
Some people are able to recover fully from a stroke, while others may have lingering disabilities. Studies show that about 50% of those who survive a stroke still have some level of disability after 6 months.3 Over the long term, 50% to 70% of stroke survivors regain some level of independence, but 15% to 30% have some permanent disabilities.
Your level of disability will depend upon the extent and area of brain damage caused by your stroke and your success with rehabilitation. One of the goals of your rehab team will be to help you recover as much brain function as possible. Many disabilities can be overcome as you learn to compensate for your injuries and are taught new ways of doing things. You can relearn skills you have lost and strengthen and retrain impaired limbs. Medications and counseling can help you deal with emotional issues.
The road to recovery may be difficult, but a strong desire to recover and the support of loved ones can have a huge impact on returning to a normal lifestyle.
How long will my rehab take?
Experts believe the most significant potential for improvement is during the first month after a stroke. The most substantial recovery generally continues for 3 to 6 months, but more gradual improvement can continue for months or years after. Recovery will vary with each person. Often, it is a lifelong process.
Will my rehab be in the hospital, at home, or in a treatment facility?
Stroke rehab usually begins while you are in the hospital, as soon as you are stable—about 24 to 48 hours after the stroke. For most, rehab begins with the goal of getting out of bed and into a chair. As you gradually regain strength and function, nurses or therapists will help you begin to regain skills and relearn tasks lost because of the stroke.
When you are ready for more intense therapy, your treatment may continue at a rehabilitation facility that may be part of the hospital where you were first treated, at a separate facility, or at home if it is safe and you have the appropriate support. You may go to a skilled nursing facility if you are well enough to tolerate the intensity of its rehab program; if not, a nursing home may be the best place for your rehab to continue.
Most rehab programs offer at least 3 hours of therapy a day, 5 to 6 days a week. Once you are stable enough, you may be able continue your rehab as an outpatient.
