Final answer:
The time an individual spends with a physical therapist in rehab after a CVA or TIA varies based on patient-specific factors, but typically extends over several weeks with personalized exercises and concluding with an exit exam.
Step-by-step explanation:
The duration of physical therapy (PT) for an individual recovering from a cerebrovascular accident (CVA), commonly referred to as a stroke, varies depending on the severity of the condition and individual patient progress. A related condition is a transient ischemic attack (TIA), which resembles a stroke but is typically shorter in duration with symptoms that do not last more than 24 hours.
Physical therapists, who hold a master's degree or doctorate, work closely with CVA and TIA patients to help regain mobility and improve problem-solving skills which can be impacted by neurological damage. Typically, therapy sessions may start with warming techniques such as applying heat to enhance blood flow to the affected area, followed by instructed exercises. The recovery program usually continues over several weeks with at-home exercises and concludes with an exit exam from the PT.