Stroke recovery and rehabilitation often starts about forty-eight hours after the stroke, once the patient is stable. In the beginning, independent movement is promoted to overcome any weakness or paralysis and assess damage to make a recuperation plan. Though rehabilitation is essential, it goes hand in hand with other ways to improve quality of life after a stroke. The following are some methods to work on both.
Monitor Medications
When recovering, it’s important that prescribed medications are being taken as recommended by a medical professional. Be sure to note any abnormalities or side effects experienced while taking these. If something is causing a poor reaction, a doctor can find an alternative medication to prescribe.
Evaluate Home
Upon reentering the home, you should evaluate it to ensure the chances of risk are reduced. If accommodations need to be made in order for different areas to be more accessible, they must happen before the stroke victim returns home. When possible, ease the number of physical demands such as steps or long distances by moving furniture or bedding.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
There will need to be some adjustments in diet in order to help with recovery. A Mediterranean diet is often suggested. The main concern is staying away from processed sugars. A change in diet cannot only help the body and brain heal, but also help prevent stroke or heart disease in the future. Recommended foods include whole grain and high fiber foods, vegetables, fruits, legumes, fish, poultry, nuts, eggs, seeds, and tofu.
Encourage Exercise
Walking can help greatly with stroke recovery. Depending on the type of stroke, different parts of the body can need help gaining strength and mobility. A lot of people turn to hippotherapy (horseback riding) to build core and muscle strength, mimic the walking gate of a horse—which is very similar to the human gait—and help with balance and flexibility. It may be difficult to get out to a real horse, though, which is why Chariot Innovations has created the MiraColt– therapeutic horseback riding equipment to allow for the same work to be done from the comfort of a therapy facility.
Keep Brain Active
During recovery, it’s essential the brain is kept active. Encouraging social interactions, listening to music, and playing brain games are good ways to promote stimulation. Additionally, the MiraColt can be used to implement equine therapy which focuses on mental health and cognitive development and encouragement.
There are many ways to improve quality of life after a stroke. It’s essential that post-stroke care is done regularly and without fail. Testing boundaries and pushing limits (within reason) will help aid in a quicker recovery. With proper diet, exercise, and best practices, result should make themselves evident in no time.
Contact Chariot Innovations to learn more about equine therapy and the MiraColt.
