Physical Therapy is very important especially in the 1st year after a stroke. Being able to have therapists helping me for 1 year made a big impact in my recovery. When you're paralyzed and can't move it's very hard to do the exercises yourself. That's why I am so grateful that I have my therapists because I really don't think I will be where I am now if it were not for them.
As important as Physical Therapy to a stroke survivor so is Functional Therapy. While Physical Therapy focuses on regaining physical mobility, strength, balance or coordination Functional therapy are activities that make up everyday life. Actual activities that we do at home to help us gain confidence and independence. Functional therapy are the little things we do like taking the lid off a bottle of medications, preparing a simple meal, grooming at the sink, showering and making your bed. They are activities that brings me joy and fulfillment at the end of the day.
When I was in rehab we had Occupational therapy and Recreational therapy where we learn Functional activities. It is my favorite part of the day. After a hectic and gruesome physical therapy schedules daily it's something that I look forward to. Functional activities I learn from Occupational therapy included learning how to do things with one arm, like how to make my bed with one arm , learning to go up in bed safely with one arm and one leg, learning how to push myself up using the good side of my body just in case I fall and nobody is around, learning how to dress myself with only one arm, and learning to pull my pants up with one hand after using the toilet. The goal was to prepare me so I would feel confident doing all these at home after my rehab and I am so thankful for it.
My most favorite if the Recreational therapy. After long 6 hours of physical therapy daily I'm excited to go to Recreation therapy where we do painting, gardening and playing board games. It's like my relaxation time that's why it's my favorite of all.
I believe that learning functional activities during my 30 days in rehab has prepared me and gave me a sense of confidence and independence. It's hard and challenging when half of your body is paralyzed and doesn't work but at least you have an idea how to do them when you go back home. I was actually glad my occupational therapist taught me how to get up using only one arm when falling down because I used it many many times at home. All the things they taught me in rehab were so helpful when I was home. It made me feel good to know that I still can take care of myself in my own slow and limited way. Best of all it helped me feel hopeful about my recovery.
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