What Happens During a Stroke and How Rehab Supports Recovery

A stroke happens when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted. Brain cells are starved of oxygen and begin to die within minutes. Fast hospital treatment saves life and brain function. Structured stroke physiotherapy in the days and weeks after helps people rebuild movement, balance and independence. 

What happens during a stroke? 

Two main types of stroke 

• Ischaemic stroke: a clot blocks a brain artery. This is the most common type in the UK. 

• Haemorrhagic stroke: a weakened blood vessel ruptures and bleeds into or around the brain.
  Symptoms that come and go within 24 hours are called a TIA. A TIA is a warning sign that urgent assessment is needed. 

Common signs. Think FAST
Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call 999 immediately. Do not wait to see if symptoms pass. 

In hospital, the team confirms the stroke type by scanning, delivers emergency treatment, and starts planning rehabilitation as soon as the person is medically stable. 

Why physiotherapy after stroke matters 

Physiotherapy and stroke go hand in hand. Early, repeated, goal based practice supports neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to reorganise and learn. Current UK guidance recommends structured, person centred rehabilitation across hospital and community settings. Where someone can tolerate it, guidance supports intensive motor therapy that is focused on function. 

What does post stroke physiotherapy look like? 

Stroke physiotherapy assessment 

Your first session is an initial physiotherapy assessment for stroke. We review medical history and goals, then examine posture, strength, range of movement, tone or spasticity, balance, transfers such as bed, chair and toilet, walking and stairs. Findings shape your plan and the safety advice for home. 

Physiotherapy treatment in stroke 

Evidence based physiotherapy treatments for stroke include: 

• Task specific practice: sit to stand, stepping, reaching, grasp and release. 

• Gait and balance retraining: weight shifting, turning, supported walking, stairs. 

• Upper limb rehabilitation: dexterity drills, constraint induced methods, and mirror therapy. 

• Strength and fitness training: progressive resistance and aerobic work where appropriate. 

• Adjuncts: orthoses such as AFO, functional electrical stimulation, splints and positioning, and cueing strategies. 

These approaches are core to stroke rehabilitation physiotherapy and align with national guidance. 

Physiotherapy exercises for stroke 

Between sessions, you complete a tailored programme of stroke physiotherapy exercises. Examples include seated marching, sit to stand practice, supported balance drills, and reach or grip tasks. Your plan progresses from simple to more challenging as safety and confidence grow. 

Where rehab happens 

• Hospital or stroke unit: early mobilisation and discharge planning. 

• Home and community: physiotherapy for stroke patients at home, integrating practice into real life tasks. 

• Inpatient rehabilitation: for people who need intensive, coordinated input. 

This joined up approach is the foundation of effective physiotherapy in stroke management. 

How Therapies on Thames supports stroke recovery 

We deliver post stroke physiotherapy at home and in inpatient settings, working closely with our Occupational Therapy colleagues. Our approach to physiotherapy rehabilitation for stroke is practical, kind and measurable: 

• Thorough assessment and clear, shared goals. 

• Physiotherapy treatment approaches for stroke tailored to your priorities such as mobility, transfers, balance, walking, and arm or hand use. 

• Home physiotherapy for stroke patients: we fit exercises into your routine and your environment. 

• Recognised outcome measures, for example timed sit to stand and gait speed, so you can see progress. 

• Family education on safe assistance techniques, fatigue management and falls prevention. 

Where needed, we liaise with your NHS team and advise on equipment, community services and longer term physiotherapy for stroke rehabilitation. 

Urgent advice 

If you think someone is having a stroke, call 999 immediately and use FAST. Early treatment saves life and function. 

Ready to start your post stroke rehabilitation? 

If you or a loved one is recovering from a stroke, we can help you rebuild movement, balance and confidence at home. Our neuro physiotherapists and occupational therapists deliver evidence based stroke physiotherapy with clear goals, practical exercises and kind support from the first visit. 

Contact Therapies on Thames to take the next step.