Disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Stroke rehabilitation should be coordinated with your medical team. © 2026 Better Physiotherapy Bundoora.
Physiotherapy is one of the most important interventions after stroke. Starting early and continuing consistently — even well beyond the initial hospital stay — significantly improves walking ability, independence, and quality of life for stroke survivors.
How Stroke Affects the Body
A stroke occurs when blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted, either by a clot (ischaemic stroke — 87% of cases) or bleeding (haemorrhagic stroke). The resulting brain damage causes deficits that depend on which area of the brain is affected:
- Middle cerebral artery (most common): Contralateral weakness, sensory loss, and with dominant hemisphere involvement, aphasia (speech difficulties)
- Posterior circulation: Dizziness, balance problems, double vision, swallowing difficulties
- Lacunar infarcts: Small, deep strokes often affecting movement or sensation on one side
Phases of Stroke Physiotherapy
Acute phase (hospital): Early mobilisation — sitting up, transfers, and walking as soon as medically stable. Evidence shows early mobility (within 24–48 hours of ischaemic stroke) reduces complications without increasing adverse events in most patients.
Subacute rehabilitation: Intensive inpatient or outpatient rehab. High-repetition, task-specific practice is the most effective approach — for walking, this means walking; for arm function, it means reaching, grasping, and releasing objects. Constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) forces use of the affected arm.
Community and outpatient rehabilitation: Ongoing physiotherapy to maintain and continue improving gains after hospital discharge. Falls prevention, community mobility, cardiovascular fitness, and return to leisure and recreational activities.
Funding for Stroke Physiotherapy
Stroke rehabilitation physiotherapy can be funded through:
- NDIS: For eligible participants under 65 with functional impairment from stroke
- Medicare EPC: Bulk-billed sessions with a GP management plan
- DVA: Full coverage for eligible veterans
- Private health insurance: Extras cover physiotherapy
Stroke Rehabilitation at Better Physiotherapy Bundoora
We provide outpatient neurological physiotherapy for stroke survivors at Better Physiotherapy Bundoora. We work closely with your medical team and other allied health providers. NDIS registered and accepting Medicare EPC. Call (03) 9467 6900 or book online.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does physiotherapy do after a stroke?
Neurological physiotherapy after stroke focuses on: relearning movement patterns through task-specific training, improving walking and balance, reducing spasticity (increased muscle tone), preventing contractures (fixed shortening of muscles), building strength and cardiovascular fitness, improving posture and seating, reducing fall risk, and maximising independence in daily activities.
What is neuroplasticity and why does it matter for stroke recovery?
Neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to reorganise and form new neural connections in response to experience and learning. After stroke, the damaged area of brain can sometimes have its functions taken over by adjacent or contralateral areas — particularly with intensive, repetitive, task-specific rehabilitation. This is why high-repetition practice (not just passive movement) is the engine of stroke recovery.
How many physiotherapy sessions do I need after a stroke?
Stroke rehabilitation is intensive. In the acute hospital phase, physiotherapy occurs daily. During subacute rehabilitation, sessions typically continue daily or several times per week. After discharge from hospital, outpatient physiotherapy should continue as long as functional gains are being made — often for 12 months or more. NDIS and Medicare can fund ongoing physiotherapy for stroke survivors.
What is the role of the physiotherapist vs the occupational therapist after stroke?
Physiotherapists focus on mobility, walking, balance, movement quality, strength, and physical function. Occupational therapists focus on upper limb function, daily living activities, home modifications, cognitive function, and return to work and leisure activities. The two roles are complementary and stroke survivors benefit from both.
Ashley Haleel
Physiotherapist & Owner — Better Physiotherapy Bundoora