Movement is a critical aspect of life. Stroke has been an arena of intense research over the past decades. A better understanding of the etiopathogenesis of stroke has been the outcome of this research. In addition, the risk factors and symptoms are better recognized, as is the importance of responding quickly to minimize brain damage. In fact, today stroke has sometimes been referred to as a "brain attack" to emphasize the urgency of a brain attack with a heart att... Read More

Stroke is the leading cause of disability. After coronary heart disease (CHD) and cancer of all types, stroke is the third commonest cause of death worldwide. It is more common in males and uncommon below the age of 40 years. According to the National Stroke Association, 10% of stroke survivors recover almost completely, 25% recover with minor impairments, 40% experience moderate to severe impairments that require special care. 10% require care in a nursing home or other long-term facility, 1... Read More

The types and degrees of disability that follow a stroke depend upon which area of the brain is damaged. Generally, stroke can cause five types of disabilities:

1) Paralysis or problems controlling movement, 2) Sensory disturbances including pain, 3) Problems using or understanding language, 4) Problems with thinking and memory, 5) Emotional disturbances.

The role played by physiotherapists in stroke rehabilitation

Physical therapists specialize ... Read More

Prof. Umasankar Mohanty, B.P.T (Hons), M.P.T (Manual Therapy), S.R.P (London), M.I.S.E.P, M.I.A.P, F.A.G.E, is the founder and Chairman of Manual Therapy Foundation of India®. He is the member of International Society of Educators in Physiotherapy (under WCPT) and life member of Indian Association of Physiotherapists. He has several publications in the Journals and newspapers. He conducts regular programmes in Manual Therapy (Integrated approach) at different places ... Read More

A variety of neurological disorders and musculoskeletal disorders are accompanied by spasticity and muscle spasm. Spasticity and muscle spasm differ from each other in the sense, spasticity is an increase in the muscle tone associated with a decrease in muscle power whereas a spasm is an involuntary contraction of a muscle or a group of muscles leading to pain and functional limitation.

Lesions at various sites within the brain and spinal cord cause spasticity. Diseases such as ... Read More

The section ‘Marketing Mantra’ is dedicated to share with you the essential management & marketing skills you need to facilitate your professional growth. In our previous article in the maiden issue, we had discussed some of the key factors you need to keep in mind while ‘starting and managing private practice in physiotherapy’. However, of all the aspects, finding appropriate sources of raising the funds and managing the finances, are the principal components of a... Read More

Often spinal cord injury is more frequent in younger age groups. Mostly they result from damage caused by traumatic events such as motor vehicle accidents, falls, or gunshot wounds. The physical, personal, financial and social impact of injury is such that most patients are lost in follow ups or succumb to life-threatening complications associated with spinal cord injury. Thus, Spinal cord injury is a low incidence, high costing disability requiring tremendous changes in an individual’s... Read More

Disasters and disaster response have become prominent issues in recent years. This article would primarily talk about the description of disaster; current role played by the physiotherapist and the prospective role of the physiotherapists in future disasters. Disaster is a sudden, calamitous event bringing great damage, loss, destruction and devastation to life and property.  As defined by the Center for Research on the Epidemiology (CERD), disasters are events or situations that overwhe... Read More

There are three keys to successful rehabilitation for stroke patients: 1. Rehabilitation must begin as soon after the stroke as possible.  2. The family can be the affected person's most important form of support during rehabilitation. Family support is critical to successful rehabilitation. 3. Rehabilitation requires cooperation of professionals, patient and family members. Two common problems that arise after a stroke are difficulty with balance, and one-sided weakness affecti... Read More

Steps to Follow: The Comprehensive Treatment Of Patients With Hemiplegia

This new edition of a best-selling guide incorporates significant practical advances in the early and later neurorehabilitation. Based on the Bobath concept, Davies' approach to stroke rehabilitation stresses the need to equip the patient for a full life, rather than setting arbitrary goals for functioning in a sheltered environment. Activities are described for encouraging the recovery of active movements ... Read More

The reader’s desk is a section dedicated to encourage our readers to share their practical experience & knowledge on any topic related to physiotherapy profession. The first in the series is an article by Dr. Bijal Champaneria, who is presently perusing her internship at SBB College of physiotherapy, A’bad. Apart from being a physiotherapist, she is also a Bharat Natyam dancer.

Bharat Natyam & Physiotherapy: Bharat Natyam involves repetitive move... Read More