Physical Therapy for the Stroke Patient

A manual of proven physical therapy techniques for the early, acute phase after strokeClinical evidence clearly demonstrates that physical therapeutic measures begun as soon as possible after a stroke, often within 24 to 48 hours, greatly increase everyday competence and quality of life. Physical Therapy for the Stroke Patient: Early Stage Rehabilitation covers all the issues that physical therapists must deal with in this critical period: assessment of patients' abilities; care during the acute phase; early mobilization; effects of medication; risk factors; ethical questions; and much more. It provides complete guidelines on how to examine and treat the patient, the "e;dosage"e; of physical therapy required, and the key differences between early and late stage rehabilitation after stroke.Special Features:Information-packed chapter on "e;Optimizing Functional Motor Recovery after Stroke,"e; written by J. Carr and R. Shepherd, pioneers in the field and the first to correlate motor learning and stroke recovery Case studies throughout the book offering direct, hands-on examples of evaluation and treatment methods Nearly 150 color photographs demonstrating step-by-step physical therapy techniques used in actual practice Hundreds of references to the literature that support the evidence-based approach presented in the bookThis book is an invaluable resource for all physical and occupational therapists who must answer the question, "e;How much therapy will help my patient?"e; Not only will it increase your therapeutic skills and confidence, but it will also expand your knowledge of the medical issues and long-term outcomes for the post-stroke patients in your care.