Exercise physiology for stroke recovery
Recovery doesn't stop when hospital rehab ends. With the right training, strength, walking and balance can keep improving for years after a stroke.
What is a stroke?
A stroke happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off, either by a blocked artery or a bleed. Brain cells in that area are damaged, and the effects depend on which part of the brain was affected. Recovery is often fastest in the first few months, but improvement can continue for years with the right training.
What are the common effects of a stroke?
The most common effects of a stroke are:
- Weakness on one side of the body
- Trouble walking and keeping your balance
- Stiffness or tightness in the arm or leg
- Less use of one arm or hand
- Tiredness that doesn't go away with rest
- Changes to speech, memory or thinking
- Low mood
If you or someone else has signs of a stroke right now, such as a drooping face, arm weakness or trouble speaking, call 000 immediately.
How does exercise help after a stroke?
Exercise helps after a stroke by retraining your brain and body through practice. Repeating movements helps the brain build new pathways, while strength and fitness training make your weaker side stronger and your walking easier. Regular exercise also helps lower your risk of another stroke.
Exercise prescription after a stroke
The recommended exercise prescription after a stroke is 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise a week plus strength training on at least two days, built up gradually, with plenty of practice of the everyday tasks you want back.
150 minutes
of moderate aerobic exercise a week
2 or more
strength sessions a week
That weekly target is the same one recommended for every adult. After a stroke, the focus is repetition. Your brain relearns movement through practice, and lots of it.
Our focus
We use high numbers of repetitions of real-life tasks like standing up, stepping, walking and reaching. We strengthen your weaker side, build your walking fitness, and adapt for one-sided weakness, fatigue and changes in sensation. We keep your blood pressure in a safe range while you train.
When should you not exercise after a stroke?
You should not exercise after a stroke if you have new stroke warning signs, chest pain, a sudden severe headache, or very high blood pressure.
- New stroke warning signs (call 000)
- Chest pain or unusual shortness of breath
- A sudden, severe headache or dizziness
- Blood pressure higher than your safe limit
- You are unwell or unusually exhausted
We check how you are at the start of every session and adjust the plan on tired days.
Why see an exercise physiologist after a stroke?
An exercise physiologist keeps your recovery going once hospital rehab ends. Many people stop improving not because they can't, but because supervised training stops. We make sure your training has enough intensity and repetition to keep you improving, while managing balance, blood pressure and fatigue.
- 01
Assess
We test your walking, balance and strength on each side, and talk through your goals and how you're managing at home.
- 02
Set and coach
We set the right level and coach every movement, so you practise it well.
- 03
Progress
We build the challenge as you improve and re-test so you can see the change.
It is not always about doing more. It is about knowing when to push and when to pull back.
Ready to get started?
Stroke recovery programs in Wentworthville
Our stroke recovery programs run from our clinic at 92 Darcy Road, Wentworthville, and in homes across the Parramatta and Blacktown areas.
In the clinic
One-on-one sessions at 92 Darcy Road, Wentworthville. Step-free access and free parking on site.
At home
We practise in your own home, on your own steps and in the spaces you use every day.
KeepFit group classes
Strength and balance exercise alongside others, supervised by an exercise physiologist.
You start with a one-on-one assessment. We re-test as you go, and can send progress reports to your GP, neurologist or support coordinator.
Is exercise physiology after a stroke covered by NDIS or Medicare?
Yes, depending on your situation. Exercise physiology after a stroke can be funded through the NDIS, Support at Home, DVA, private health, or a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan, which gives a Medicare rebate on up to five allied health visits a year.
NDIS
We're a registered NDIS provider and build your program around your plan goals.
Aged care, DVA and private health
Support at Home, DVA and most private health funds can cover exercise physiology. Ask us and we'll check.
Stroke recovery and exercise: common questions
Book an exercise physiologist in Wentworthville
Not sure if this is right for you? Tell us what's going on and we'll tell you honestly whether we can help.