Occupational therapy (OT) teaches people new skills for managing daily life. Occupational therapists utilize activities that improve sensory integration and promote movement.
A study of 117 stroke rehabilitation patients conducted an in-depth survey on alternative therapy use, effectiveness and communication with their physician regarding treatment decisions. Furthermore, they asked whether patients felt their physician disapproved of these options.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medical technique in which needles are placed into specific points on the body to treat conditions like arthritis, chronic pain and migraines. Acupuncture has also been proven to lower blood pressure and relax muscles as well as improving sleep patterns and mood – it has even proven helpful after stroke recovery!
One study discovered that acupuncture helped stroke survivors improve motor functioning, reduce depression and anxiety levels and stimulate GABA (gamma aminobutryic acid), an inhibitory neurochemical that prevents nerve activity that leads to pain. Acupuncture can also enhance blood flow to the brain.
Alternative medicine practitioners who offer this alternative therapy usually require a license in order to practice it safely and ethically. Acupuncturists will ask the patient to lie comfortably in a relaxed position before placing needles into various acupressure points on the body – typically taking 30 – 45 minutes per treatment session. Acupuncture is generally safe and effective treatment option without side effects that can be performed in natural pathic offices, physical therapy clinics, primary care offices and integrative medicine centers.
Acupuncture may be used in combination with traditional treatments for stroke patients, but it’s essential that its benefits and risks be discussed with your healthcare provider first. Therapies must always be performed under supervision from a qualified practitioner and should never replace traditional medical treatment methods for survivors of a stroke. It should also be remembered that most people suffering from a stroke have multiple medical issues that require multiple forms of care in order to return back to life as normal after experiencing one.
Massage
Massage therapy involves manipulating soft tissues of the body through kneading, rubbing, tapping and strokeing in order to relax patients, ease stress and pain, lower blood pressure and aid recovery from cancer symptoms such as fatigue, pain and nausea. Studies show it may even assist in fighting cancer altogether!
CAM practitioners employ several forms of massage for various purposes. Effleurage involves gently moving one hand over the body with palms up or down to stretch and relax muscles as well as disperse waste products; another technique is kneading, where fingers are used to manipulate muscle, tendons, ligaments and other areas; while reflexology presses hands, feet or ears to stimulate energy flow in the body.
Studies suggest that massage may improve posture, mobility and flexibility for stroke survivors. Other research indicates it could also alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety; however, more rigorous research must be completed in this area to support such claims. During massage sessions, blood vessels in the skin expand, improving circulation to reduce chances of blood clot formation which could result in heart attack or stroke.
If you are at high risk of blood clot formation, massage therapy should not be utilized. Before initiating any massage sessions it is advisable to first consult with a healthcare provider.
Many stroke survivors may be reluctant to try complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies, believing they won’t be as effective. Although more research needs to be conducted into their effectiveness, many patients find them beneficial as an addition to traditional medical therapies.
Chiropractic
Chiropractic therapy is an alternative therapy involving manually manipulating bones within your body – typically using your hands – including those in your back, neck and muscles. Chiropractic works on the theory that misalignments of the spine can cause pain and interfere with normal function.
Chiropractors are nationally registered allied healthcare workers that can form part of your care team alongside physiotherapists and occupational therapists. They work in private practice clinics, interprofessional clinics, family health teams, hospitals and patients’ homes collaboratively.
Chiropractics differ from medical doctors in that they do not possess the authority to prescribe medication or perform surgery; however, they undergo intensive training during a four-year doctoral graduate school program and must pass national board exams before being licensed as professionals. They must also complete at least three years of undergraduate studies that include biology, kinesiology and anatomy courses before becoming chiropractors.
According to a 2017 study, chiropractic spinal adjustments can significantly increase plantarflexion strength among stroke survivors through one adjustment alone. They can also improve posture among those suffering from hyperkyphosis, or hunchback posture; reduce chronic pain; and potentially help combat depression that often co-occurs with such problems.
Yoga, meditation, Tai Chi and massage therapy may also provide valuable CAM treatments for stroke survivors, but it’s essential that they be tailored specifically to each person and stage of recovery for maximum effect. Speaking to healthcare providers about using CAM can offer valuable insight and ensure these treatments are used safely and effectively while also connecting you to qualified practitioners if they don’t know enough about what your situation entails.
Nutritional Supplements
Nutrition is one of the key elements to functional recovery after stroke rehabilitation. Malnutrition has been linked with poor outcomes, long hospital stays, increased incidences of infections and pressure sores among stroke survivors as well as cognitive and emotional problems. A diet high in protein can support brain function while encouraging neuroplasticity as well as improve daily activity performance and enhance mood.
At the acute stage of stroke, all patients should be screened for malnutrition. Those at risk should receive nutritional supplements in order to prevent malnutrition and enhance outcomes – this may include protein, amino acids, vitamins or minerals – which have proven effective. A recent study demonstrated that people receiving nutritional supplementation had better FIM scores at the end of hospital stays – therefore researchers recommend including them alongside traditional physiotherapy treatment as part of treatment plans.
Alternative therapies may supplement conventional stroke treatments, with physiotherapy often serving as the cornerstone. They can improve mobility and ease complications like muscle stiffness or spasticity while managing pain effectively. Mindfulness practices like meditation or yoga may reduce stress while improving mental health while art therapy provides creative outlets and emotional healing.
Herbal remedies may also play an integral part in stroke recovery. Some herbal remedies are effective at relieving anxiety and depression while others can increase blood circulation to promote motor function improvement. Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe), for instance, has been found to both decrease platelet aggregation and stimulate circulation while simultaneously reducing hippocampal neurochemical changes as well as behavioral dysfunctions seen in rat models of transient cerebral ischemia.
Yoga
Yoga has its origins thousands of years ago as a form of meditative practice and has since evolved into a global lifestyle trend, earning billions each year. Yoga offers multiple health benefits including strength, balance and flexibility enhancement; relief of chronic pain as well as mental clarity improvement and memory improvement.
One study demonstrated how adding yoga to a standard rehabilitation program improved balance among stroke survivors. Researchers divided patients into two groups, with the intervention group receiving both traditional rehabilitation exercises as well as yoga instruction from a certified yoga therapist while control participants received only standard rehabilitation from said yoga therapist. Both groups engaged in 1.5 hour training sessions twice weekly for eight weeks during which time researchers compared Berg Balance scores and timed Movement Battery results between groups.
The findings of this study indicate that yoga may be an effective therapeutic modality for stroke. The authors recommend more research be conducted into its benefits as an holistic approach to recovery, as well as exploring how mindset plays into yoga’s benefits for patient health.
Before embarking on any alternative therapy, it is a best practice to consult your physician or physical therapist first. They can determine if any specific treatment is safe for you as well as provide guidance for how best to practice safely. If yoga is something you are considering trying, ask them about the instructor’s training and experience; a qualified yoga therapist might even recommend someone in order to ensure maximum benefit and ensure safety from this practice.
