First Assessment
Free
45 minutes, at home
- Full clinical examination at the patient's home
- The likely cause explained in plain language
- A realistic recovery plan and what it will cost
- No obligation to book any further sessions
Stroke recovery is not only done in a therapy gym. It is done at the dining table, on the way to the bathroom, in the bedroom while dressing and in the chair that the patient sits in all evening. In Pimple Saudagar, where most families live in apartment societies, those routines are a short walk apart, which makes them useful to practise.
The general condition is explained on our stroke rehabilitation page. Here we describe how a visit in Pimple Saudagar is shaped around the household. Visits are booked in advance because of the distance from our South Pune base; the Pimple Saudagar area page explains the process.
Mealtimes as practice
A meal asks a lot of a recovering body. The patient has to sit upright, hold the trunk steady, reach, grasp, lift and bring a hand to the mouth. The physiotherapist watches a snack or tea being taken at your usual table, and looks at the chair height, the position of the plate and whether the affected arm is used or forgotten. Small changes, such as a firmer seat, a non-slip mat under the plate or a different cup, can make the affected side take part. The family learns to stand where the patient can see them, and to avoid reaching across and doing it for them.
Between bed, chair and bathroom
The route from bed to bathroom is where independence is won or lost. The physiotherapist watches each transfer: rolling, sitting up, standing, turning and sitting down again. We then practise the weaker steps, and teach the helper how to guide and where to stand. Polished tile, a raised bathroom threshold and a wet floor are the usual hazards. A bathroom stool, a grab rail and a non-slip mat are often worth adding. The physiotherapist will advise which are worth the cost for this person, without suggesting you buy everything.
- Practise standing up from the bed edge and from the sofa, not just from one chair.
- Turn by stepping around, not by twisting on a planted foot.
- Keep a clear path from bed to bathroom at night, with a light that comes on easily.
A session in the living room
A typical home session lasts for the patient's tolerance and covers several things: the strength and control of the weaker arm and leg, balance sitting and standing, walking with or without an aid, and any tightness or stiffness that is developing. Treatment aims to make everyday movement easier, not to chase a perfect exercise. The physiotherapist may use a stick, a walker or hands-on guidance, and will show you how to use each safely. If the patient also has knee or hip problems, the plan takes them into account, and elderly physiotherapy covers general strength and balance.
Teaching the helper, and looking after them
In a family with two working adults, one person usually takes the weight of care. Lifting a patient by the weak arm can injure the shoulder, and pulling from behind can throw the helper's back. We show a safe way to assist, which is usually to guide at the hips or the trunk and not to lift. If the helper's own back starts to hurt, say so; our back pain physiotherapy page describes what we do about it.
When to call emergency services
A new stroke often starts suddenly: a drooping face, weakness in an arm or leg, slurred speech or confusion. If any of these appear again, or if there is a severe headache, a seizure, chest pain, breathlessness or a sudden worsening, call for an ambulance or go to the nearest emergency department at once.
Booking
Tell us the floor, the lift situation and the date of discharge. Book an appointment early, since Pimple Saudagar is one of our farther zones and visits are arranged in advance.