Danni’s Story

No fear. Danni’s t-shirt says it all.  

Since experiencing a stroke, Danni has dreamed of being able to walk again. 

After 4 years of needing a full hoist and being told she wouldn't be able to stand, physiotherapist Angela thought differently and started working with Danni towards her dream. 

Danni standing with her Sara Stedy

Together, Angela worked with Danni on her trunk control and sitting balance, building up her strength the confidence to trial standing with a two-person support. Now after additional work, Danni can transfer between her bed and her wheelchair with some assistance from her carers through the use of a Sara Stedy (a device designed to assist with the transfer of a person from one seated position to another).  

Danni can hardly believe it! She can stand!  

Danni's new goal is to step between her bed and wheelchair without the Sara Stedy.  

Danni, with your ‘no fear’ approach we look forward to hearing more about your progress towards your dreams. 

What is a stroke?

Your brain is constantly fed by blood carrying oxygen and nutrients through blood vessels called arteries. A stroke occurs when blood cannot get to your brain. Blood flow may be interrupted or stop moving through an artery, because the artery is blocked (known as an ischaemic stroke) or bursts (known as an haemorrhagic stroke). As a result, your brain cells die due to a lack of oxygen and nutrients.  

Up to 1.9 million brain cells may die every minute during a stroke. 

How a stroke affects someone depends on where it happens in the brain, and on how big the stroke is. Stroke can affect a person’s body, their emotions, and the way they think. It can cause muscle weakness, and problems with speaking, memory, hearing or vision. 

Source: Stroke Foundation

The signs of stroke

The Stroke Foundation recommends the F.A.S.T. test as an easy way to remember the most common signs of stroke. Using the F.A.S.T. test involves asking these simple questions:

Face Check their face. Has their mouth drooped? 

Arms Can they lift both arms? 

Speech Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you? 

Time Is critical. If you see any of these signs call 000 straight away. 

For more information on the signs of a stroke visit the Stroke Foundation.

For more information on how Allied Therapy Services may be able to work with you on stroke recovery check out our Neurological Therapy page