May was Stroke awareness month. Find out how our team has been raising awareness and read about one lady's story.
Physiotherapists from The Physiotherapy Centre at Holy Cross Hospital have been out in the community raising awareness about stroke month.
Earlier in May, neuro physiotherapists Viji Arumugam and Raymundo Milay visited the Clockhouse Day Centre in Milford to give a talk to members about stroke and stroke rehabilitation.
Specialist physiotherapist Viji Arumugam says: “The talk was received very positively by Clockhouse members who said they found the information very useful. They were keen to know more about the specialist rehabilitation services we are able to offer for people with stroke and other neurological problems.”
She adds: “While no two patients are the same, three of the most common side effects of stroke are muscle tightness, loss of upper limb function and problems with balance. We offer classes that focus specifically on improving balance and find that the hydrotherapy pool is a wonderful facility for helping people to improve their mobility. The exercises and routines help with muscle strength and balance and thereby help somebody who has had a stroke to regain independence.”
Throughout May, the Stroke Association highlighted the increase in working age stroke. Their figures show that the number of strokes occurring in men aged between 40 and 54 has gone up by almost 50 per cent in 15 years.
Anybody who would like more information about neuro physiotherapy or organisations that would like to host a talk about stroke should contact Rasheed Meeran on 01428 647647 or email him at therapy@holycross.org.uk.
The Clockhouse Day Centre is for people aged over 50 and offers a range of activities, entertainment and services.
Case study
Mrs C explains how hydrotherapy has benefited her rehabilitation:
“Unfortunately I endured a severe stroke that left me significantly physically impaired, requiring 24/7 care support at home as I am unable to look after myself. I live on the coast, which is a 90-mile round trip to Holy Cross. The journey is well worthwhile as it enables me to access the excellent facilities and the expertise of the hydrotherapy team at Holy Cross.
“My family, friends and carers have noted continued improvement in my abilities from the benefit of my regular hydrotherapy sessions.
“Holy Cross has excellent, well-maintained facilities that enable me the use of their pool allowing me to spend 30 minutes sessions free from my wheelchair or bed; I can perform exercises that I can’t undertake on dry land. Despite extensive searches, Holy Cross is the only facility I have found that has the well-maintained and clean equipment that makes my visit a pleasurable experience.
“My family were initially sceptical as to how hydrotherapy would benefit my rehabilitation; they now happily support my efforts to use the Holy Cross facilities.” Mrs C.
