THE MODERN VIEW OF PHYSICAL THERAPY ON RECOVERY OF PATIENTS AFTER STROKE WITH UPPER LIMB SPASTITY

Abstract

The purpose of the article is to analyze recommendations for physical therapy methods after acute cerebrovascular accident. Most often, complications of the function of the upper limb occur, this causes difficulties in everyday and professional life. In most cases, the function in the arm is restored worse than in the leg. In case of insufficient restoration of hand function, an occupational therapist teaches the patient the basic skills of self-care: eating, bathing, personal toilet, dressing, controlling bowel movements and urination, using the toilet, moving around, the ability to move on a flat surface, climbing stairs. There are many technical devices that allow you to be independent: an anti-slip mat, prevention of falling in the bathroom, handrails, a step into the bathtub, seats in the bathtub, etc. In the first month of the recovery period, people after a stroke develop complications – contractures of the affected limbs, pain and pulling sensations; spasticity develops, which impairs coordination and balance and, as a result, increases dependence on others. Spasticity increases unevenly, the patient develops a peculiar Wernicke-Mann posture: the upper limb is bent at the elbow and radial wrist joints, the fingers are clenched into a fist; the lower limb is straightened at the hip, knee and ankle joints. Unqualified recommendations and improper selection of a physical therapy program provoke an increase in spasticity. Objective. To find effective evidence-based physical therapy methods that affect the restoration of upper limb function. Methods. Scientific literature analysis, synthesis, generalization, pedagogical observation. An important question for a physical therapist is the selection of effective methods that positively affect the restoration of functional movement of the upper limb, the patient receives an achievable request, and the specialist is able to prevent negative consequences and get good results in a short time.