Stroke Rehabilitation

The most significant recovery gains for stroke survivors, brain aneurysms and other neurovascular conditions happen in the first three to six months. To achieve optimal recovery, these patients require specialized rehabilitation care. The Stroke and Neurovascular Program is one of Wisconsin's most comprehensive rehabilitation care centers.

Rehabilitation starts as soon as possible for hospitalized patients and progresses on an outpatient basis depending on each patient’s needs. Patients initially hospitalized elsewhere for stroke or other neurovascular conditions often turn to our rehabilitation experts to help them get back to their lives as well as possible. In 2022:

• 170 stroke patients were treated in our inpatient rehabilitation program.
• The average length of stay was 14.1 days.
• Upon discharge, 81.8 percent returned home, while the remaining patients were transferred to subacute or skilled nursing facilities.
• 95.9% of patients manage their own care after discharge.
• Patient satisfaction with the program is 3.8 out of 4.

Rehabilitation Experts Specially Trained in Stroke Recovery

Led by an internationally recognized neurorehabilitation physician, rehabilitation team members are specially trained to help patients recover from conditions that affect the neurovascular system of the brain and spine. They provide physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, therapeutic recreation and vocational rehabilitation to help get patients back to the activities they love. Stroke nurse specialists, case managers, social workers and rehabilitation psychologists round out the team. The goal is to maximize health – physically, mentally and emotionally. Additional expertise is also available for treating related conditions such as spasticity and depression.

Patients Benefit From the Latest Stroke Rehabilitation Approaches and Technology

As part of an academic medical center, our program’s experts offer patients the latest proven rehabilitation techniques and technology to speed and enhance recovery. It is one of the only providers in the region to use function electrical stimulators that may help improve the abilities of people with neurological conditions that affect leg and arm use.

Stroke Research Brings Innovation to Patient Care

Today’s research efforts at Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin translate into treatment innovations for our patients. Approaches such as robotic training are regularly being trialed as our experts look for more effective ways to help our patients recover their health following a neurovascular event.