Therapy evaluation and management of patients with hemiplegia

Appropriate treatment of the hemiplegic patient depends on a thorough evaluation of sensation and motion in the affected extremities. Realistic goals for self-care, mobility, home, and community skills may be then established. The basic role of therapy when dealing with a stroke patient includes preventing and correcting deformities, improving a patient's functional ability, and increasing strength, control, and upper extremity use when appropriate. Medical intervention may be necessary to augment the occupational and physical therapy programs in the areas of relief of pain and correction of deformities.