Stroke rehabilitation is a structured process that helps people recover movement, improve physical function and regain independence after a stroke. It focuses on the difficulties a person experiences in everyday life, such as walking, maintaining balance, using the affected arm, transferring between surfaces and performing daily activities.

At Pain & Stroke Rehab Centre (PSRC), rehabilitation focuses on individual needs, functional goals and meaningful improvements in everyday life.

Rehabilitation should begin as soon as the person is medically stable and it is safe to do so. The timing and intensity depend on the person’s medical condition and functional abilities.

If the stroke has occurred recently, the hospital stroke team should guide the initial rehabilitation plan. Once appropriate, rehabilitation can continue in an outpatient or community setting.

Yes. People may continue to improve their strength, balance, walking, endurance and functional abilities even months or years after a stroke.

The extent of improvement varies between individuals. Rehabilitation goals should be based on the person’s current abilities, limitations and priorities rather than only the time since the stroke.

Recovery varies depending on factors such as the location and severity of the stroke, the impairments involved, other medical conditions and the person’s response to rehabilitation.

Some people regain most of their previous abilities, while others continue to experience limitations. Rehabilitation aims to maximise achievable recovery, improve independence and help the person participate in meaningful daily activities.

Physiotherapy can help improve walking ability when walking is an appropriate rehabilitation goal.

Treatment may include standing and balance practice, weight-shifting activities, sit-to-stand training, walking practice, strengthening, endurance training and assessment of the need for walking aids or orthoses.

The programme depends on the person’s current mobility, balance, muscle control and safety.