Stroke rehabilitation programs and services

If you or a loved one has a stroke, it's likely you will benefit from several rehab services:

• advanced technologies to improve muscle strength

Standard stroke care services

If you or a loved one is recovering from a stroke, it's likely you will benefit from these services:

• Physical therapy helps stroke patients improve balance, walking and range of motion. Exercises to manage incontinence following a stroke are also available.
• Occupational therapy helps patients recovering from stroke learn new ways to handle daily activities and develop "skills for the job of living."

• Speech therapy can help with communication and thinking problems. For example, while recovering from a stroke you may have difficulty understanding language (aphasia) or difficulty swallowing (dysphagia).

Dysphagia

Difficulty when swallowing is the sensation that food is stuck in the throat or upper chest.

Learn more about dysphagia in our health encyclopedia.

Special programs for stroke recovery

If you or a loved one is recovering from a stroke, you may also benefit from programs like these:

• Aquatic therapy can help patients recovering from stroke return to daily activities more quickly.
• Driving fitness can help you or a family member continue driving as long as it is safely possible. The Sister Kenny Driving Fitness Program assesses vision, physical and cognitive abilities, and provides adaptive devices to make driving safer. The driving simulator helps patients become more aware of visual, motor and cognitive challenges that may make it difficult for them to drive safely.

Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute also offers programs that can help stroke patients achieve these goals:

The Sister Kenny stroke specialty program at Abbott Northwestern and United hospitals is accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), an independent national organization that certifies facilities which meet the highest patient standards.