RehabifyWhat stroke can change
- Movement, weakness or clumsiness of the arm, leg or face on one side
- Spasticity, muscles that stay tight and stiff, making movement harder
- Balance and walking, with a higher risk of falls
- Speech and swallowing, trouble speaking, understanding or swallowing safely
- Shoulder pain, common in the weak arm
- Thinking and mood, memory, attention, tiredness and low mood
Who should see a rehab doctor
Signs to get checked
- Anyone recovering from a recent stroke, once medically stable
- People months or years after a stroke who want to improve walking, arm use or independence
- Stroke survivors with tight muscles, painful shoulder, falls or swelling of the hand or foot
- Families who need guidance on care, equipment and home safety
What happens at Rehabify
- 01
History
Type and date of the stroke, hospital treatment, other health problems, and life before the stroke.
- 02
Examination
Strength, muscle tone, sensation, balance, walking, arm and hand use, speech and swallowing screening, and daily tasks.
- 03
Goals
What matters most to you, such as walking at home, dressing or returning to work.
- 04
Your plan
Therapy with physiotherapists and other therapists, medicines for spasticity, pain or mood, splints, walking aids, and injections for spasticity when suitable.
- 05
Home and family
A home exercise programme, safe transfer training for family, and advice on home changes.
The doctor decides the right tests and treatment for you after examining you.
Before and after your visit
How to prepare
- Bring discharge summaries, scan reports and a list of medicines
- Bring a family member or carer
- Bring any splints, walking aids or wheelchair you use
- Note the main tasks you want to manage better
After your visit
You and your family leave with a written plan, home exercises, safety advice and a review date. Video follow-ups can help track progress at home. You can send questions on WhatsApp between visits.
When to get help urgently
Medical emergency
A new stroke is an emergency. Call 108 or 112 at once if you notice BE FAST signs: loss of **B**alance, **E**yesight change, **F**ace drooping, **A**rm weakness, **S**peech difficulty. **T**ime to call. Also seek urgent care for a sudden severe headache, a fit, chest pain or a sudden drop in alertness.
Common questions
How long does recovery after a stroke take?
It differs for each person. The fastest gains usually come in the first 3 to 6 months, but many people keep improving for much longer with regular practice. Recovery depends on the size and site of the stroke, general health and how much rehab is done.
When should stroke rehab start?
As soon as the treating doctors say it is safe, often within days in hospital. Rehab started early helps prevent stiffness and complications. If rehab stopped after discharge, it is worth starting again at any stage.
Why does the shoulder hurt after a stroke?
The weak arm can pull on the shoulder joint, and tight muscles add to the strain. Shoulder pain is common after a stroke. Correct positioning, support for the arm, exercise and, when suitable, injections or nerve blocks can help.
What can family members do at home?
Help with daily practice of exercises, encourage the person to use the weak side, set up the home to prevent falls and watch for warning signs. The team will show family members safe ways to help with transfers and walking.
Can stroke rehab be done at home?
Much of it can. A clear home programme, regular practice and video follow-ups keep progress going between clinic visits. Some parts, such as an examination or a spasticity injection, need a clinic visit.
Can another stroke be prevented?
The risk can be lowered. Take medicines as prescribed, control blood pressure, sugar and cholesterol, stop smoking and stay active. Your neurologist or family doctor manages these, and rehab helps you stay active safely.
Sources
- [1]
American Heart Association / American Stroke Association (AHA/ASA) guidelines for adult stroke rehabilitation and recovery
- [2]
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline NG236. Stroke rehabilitation in adults, 2023
- [3]
World Health Organization (WHO). Rehabilitation 2030 and package of interventions for rehabilitation, stroke module
This page is for general education and does not replace a consultation. The right plan depends on your examination.