Dr. Mary Kneiser: Exercise for stroke recovery

Dr. Mary Kneiser is a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist based in Michigan. Among her most common patients are those who suffered from stroke and have difficulty in moving and speaking.

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Stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, preventing the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain. When the brain fails to obtain blood and oxygen, it starts to die, making the patient at high risk for brain damage. Symptoms of stroke include having difficulty in speaking and walking, sudden vision changes, and severe headache.

Treatment for stroke depends on its type. However, recovery from stroke, no matter what type it is, requires living a healthier lifestyle which includes being physically active. For rehabilitation specialists, like Dr. Mary Kneiser, exercise helps stroke patients in regaining the ability to move affected parts of the body such as the arms and legs. Exercise also helps in building strength and endurance, and in eliminating some of the risk factors for stroke, such as excess weight and high cholesterol levels.

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Before patients can start exercising, they should first consult with their doctor to formulate a proper exercise plan that suits their current condition. In exercising, it is recommended to include aerobic exercises and resistance and strength training to improve coordination and balance, and to decrease muscle atrophy.

Though many people think that exercising after a stroke is difficult, it actually helps the body recover more quickly and provides long-term benefits that can prevent another stroke from happening.

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To learn more about Dr. Mary Kneiser and her specialties in medicine, visit www.abilityassessments.com.