What if reflexology techniques and protocols were adopted by medical professions for the purpose of treating stroke? Consider the impact of stroke on society‹the individuals, financial costs, and the medical professionals .
First, consider the human cost. Strokes are the fourth leading cause of death in the US. Some 157,000 die among the 700,000 Americans who suffer a stroke each year. Aside from stroke victims who survive and their quality of life, family members who act in various capacities as care givers create a large body of individuals who are directly effected by stroke.
Then, consider the financial facts. It is estimated that strokes will cost $2.2 trillion in the US over a 45 year period (2005-2050). According to Jennifer Warner of WebMD Health News. "Researchers estimated both direct stroke costs, such as ambulance services, hospitalization, rehabilitation, nursing home costs, and drugs, as well as indirect costs like lost wages for stroke patients under 65. Studies show nearly half of stroke survivors under the age of 65 do not return to work."
Finally, for medical professionals who specialize in various aspects of stroke care, effective methods of care and rehabilitation are constantly sought. For physical therapists, for example,anything that would speed up rehabilitation of their patients would be valued.Physical therapists are well aware of the time constraints within which they work. The length of a patient's rehab care is dictated by the health care provider and its rules‹sometimes at odds with the physical therapist's profesisonal opinion. Such is the extent of the situation, physical therapists as a profession across the country areconcerned about their ability to do their jobs according to our source.
