Stroke and Massage
What is stroke?
Stroke, also known as CVA which stands for cerebrovascular accident is a damage to the brain due to an interruption of its blood supply. A strike is a medical emergency.
Symptoms?
Although stroke requires medical diagnosis, most common symptoms may include trouble walking, speaking and understanding as well as paralysis and numbness of the face, arm or leg.
What causes stroke?
A stroke, sometimes call a brain attack, happens in one of two ways: A blocked artery or a ruptured artery. A stroke, sometimes called a brain attack, occurs when something blocks blood supply to part of the brain or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. In either case, parts of the brain become damaged or die.
Types of stroke?
There are medically three types of strokes which can be diagnosed and differentiated by medical professionals, they include:
1. Ischaemic stroke
2. Haemorrhagic stroke
3. TIA- Transient ischaemic attack
Details about these three types won’t be explained in this article, maybe in future articles released by serendipity massage so stay tuned.
How can physical therapy and massage be used for the treatment of massage?
As we all know, everyone who has survived a stroke is affected differently, while some may have paralysis, others may have muscle
weakness, speech or even memory loss. I leave speech and memory loss to Speech or Memory Loss Therapists, and focus on helping those with paralysis or muscle weakness. Massage therapy can also help to boost circulation, which is often lacking when a body part cannot be moved. Massage encourages fresh oxygen and blood to that area of the body, removing toxins, and in time increasing mobility.we focus on body parts most in need such as the arms, legs and face, massage therapy also helps to relax patients, which can in turn lead to more restful sleep. Most stroke patients have trouble resting, so this can help them enjoy a much needed deeper sleep.
Again, it's important to reiterate that massage therapy should not be the only source of rehabilitation programme for stroke patients. It should compliment physiotherapy programmes, or stroke unit rehabilitation programmes. I am not claiming massage therapy can cure paralysis and immobility caused by a stroke, but would rather like to highlight the positive impact it could make.
Note:Stroke can happen to anybody at anytime it’s not just for the elderly.
At serendipity massage we care about your body wellbeing and we are committed to achieving total wellness with you.
