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Stroke Rehabilitation: Physical and Occupational Therapy in Brooklyn

By Dr. Jack Engelberg, PT, DPT · · 4 min read

A stroke can change life in an instant, for the person who had it and for their family. After the hospital and, for many, a stay in inpatient rehab, the next step is often outpatient therapy closer to home. For families in Boro Park, Midwood and Staten Island, ongoing rehabilitation can make a meaningful difference in walking, using the arm and hand, balance and getting back to daily life.

What Is a Stroke?

A stroke happens when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted, either by a blocked blood vessel (ischemic stroke) or a ruptured blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke). Brain cells in the affected area are damaged, which affects the functions that part of the brain controls.

Know the Signs: BE FAST

If you see these signs, call 911 right away:

  • Balance — sudden loss of balance or coordination
  • Eyes — sudden vision changes
  • Face — drooping on one side
  • Arms — weakness or numbness in one arm
  • Speech — slurred or confused speech
  • Time — call 911 immediately

Common Challenges After a Stroke

Every stroke is different, but common effects include:

  • Weakness or paralysis on one side of the body (hemiparesis)
  • Changes in muscle tone, including stiffness or spasticity
  • Difficulty walking and poor balance
  • Reduced arm and hand function and coordination
  • Sensory changes, such as numbness
  • Fatigue
  • Difficulty with dressing, bathing, cooking and other daily tasks
  • Changes in thinking, memory, vision or communication
  • Shoulder pain on the affected side

How Physical Therapy Helps

The brain has a remarkable ability to reorganize, called neuroplasticity. Recovery is often fastest in the first months after a stroke, but meaningful improvements can continue long afterward with focused, repetitive practice.

Physical therapy focuses on movement and mobility:

  • Gait training — walking safely, with or without an assistive device, and progressing toward community walking
  • Strengthening — for the affected and unaffected sides
  • Balance training — to reduce fall risk (see balance and fall prevention)
  • Task-specific practice — sit-to-stand, stairs, getting in and out of a car
  • Managing spasticity — stretching, positioning and movement strategies
  • Endurance training — building stamina for daily life
  • Bracing recommendations — such as an ankle-foot orthosis for foot drop

How Occupational Therapy Helps

Occupational therapy focuses on the skills needed for everyday life. Our Boro Park office offers occupational therapy, which may include:

  • Arm and hand rehabilitation — improving strength, coordination and fine motor skills
  • Activities of daily living — dressing, bathing, grooming, eating and cooking
  • Adaptive equipment and techniques — tools and strategies to work around limitations
  • Home safety recommendations
  • Cognitive and visual strategies — for attention, memory and organization during tasks

What Family and Caregivers Can Do

  • Encourage practice. Repetition drives recovery. Help with the home exercise program.
  • Promote independence. Let your loved one do as much as safely possible, even if it takes longer.
  • Make the home safer. Clear walkways, add grab bars and improve lighting.
  • Watch for mood changes. Depression is common after stroke. Talk with the physician if you notice it.
  • Take care of yourself. Caregiving is demanding; support makes a difference.

When to Start Outpatient Therapy

Outpatient therapy often begins after discharge from the hospital or an inpatient rehab facility, or after home care services end. It can also help people who had a stroke months or years ago and want to work on specific goals.

Call 911 for any new stroke symptoms, and contact your physician for new or worsening weakness, confusion, severe headache or falls.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it too late to improve if my stroke was a long time ago?

Recovery is often fastest early, but many people continue to make gains with targeted therapy well after their stroke.

What's the difference between PT and OT after a stroke?

Physical therapy focuses mainly on walking, balance and mobility; occupational therapy focuses on arm and hand function and daily activities. Many stroke survivors benefit from both.

Can therapy help with shoulder pain after a stroke?

Yes. Positioning, supported movement and exercise can help manage shoulder pain on the affected side.

Ready to get started? Call the Refuah office nearest you

Occupational therapy is offered at our Boro Park office, and physical therapy at all three. Call to schedule an evaluation, or book online at refuahpt.com.

Book at refuahpt.com

About the author. Dr. Jack Engelberg, PT, DPT is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and owner of Refuah Physical & Occupational Therapy, with offices in Midwood and Boro Park, Brooklyn, and on Staten Island.

Medical disclaimer: This article is for general education only and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Everyone’s situation is different. Talk with your physician or a licensed physical therapist about your symptoms. If you think you have a medical emergency, call 911.

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