What is hemiplegia?

Hemiplegia means paralysis on one side of the body. It is different from hemiparesis, which refers to weakness on one side of the body. Hemiplegia is a symptom pattern rather than a diagnosis on its own, and it can occur in a range of neurological conditions or after neurological injury. Stroke Association guidance describes hemiplegia as paralysis on one side of the body, while hemiparesis refers to one-sided weakness.

Hemiplegia may affect:

• an arm and leg on the same side

• the hand and upper limb more than the leg

• the leg more than the arm

• balance, posture and coordination as well as strength and movement control

In children, hemiplegia is commonly discussed in the context of cerebral palsy, where NHS guidance describes hemiplegia as affecting one side of the body.

How hemiplegia may affect daily function

Hemiplegia affects each person differently, but it may impact:

• walking and mobility

• balance and falls risk

• transfers and stairs

• hand use and fine motor tasks

• posture and movement control

• self-care and daily routines

• school, work or community participation

• confidence with movement and independence

For some people, hemiplegia may occur alongside changes in muscle tone, coordination, sensation or limb awareness, depending on the underlying neurological condition. Stroke resources commonly describe one-sided paralysis as affecting sitting, standing, walking and daily tasks.

How Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health may help

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy may support children and adults with hemiplegia where there are goals related to walking, balance, strength, transfers, posture, coordination, endurance or physical participation. Depending on the person’s needs, physiotherapy may include:

• walking and mobility support

• balance and coordination practice

• transfer training

• strength and movement-based programs

• gross motor and functional movement training

• stretching and physical activity planning

• gait support and mobility aid input where clinically appropriate
  
  

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy may help when hemiplegia is affecting daily living, hand use, fine motor skills, self-care, routines, school participation, fatigue management or independence. OT may include:

• upper limb and hand function support

• self-care and daily routine strategies

• task adaptation and environmental modifications

• fine motor and functional skill development

• equipment or assistive technology recommendations where appropriate
  
  

Speech Pathology

Speech pathology is not automatically required for everyone with hemiplegia, but it may be relevant where a person has associated speech, language, communication, cognitive-communication, feeding or swallowing concerns, particularly when hemiplegia is part of a broader neurological condition such as stroke or cerebral palsy.

Exercise Physiology

Exercise physiology may be appropriate for some children, adolescents or adults with hemiplegia who need support with strength, endurance, physical conditioning, general activity participation or structured exercise. Programs should be tailored carefully to the person’s goals, fatigue levels, movement pattern and physical capacity.

Our approach

At Palms, we take a function-focused, goal-directed approach. That means we look at how hemiplegia is affecting the person in everyday life and what practical support may help. Therapy may focus on:

improving walking and mobility

supporting balance and movement confidence

building strength and endurance

improving hand use and everyday tasks

helping with transfers and stairs

supporting participation at home, school, work or in the community

We also recognise that support often works best when it is coordinated with the person’s family, carers, medical team and broader supports where appropriate.

FAQ

What is hemiplegia?

Hemiplegia means paralysis on one side of the body. It is different from hemiparesis, which means weakness on one side of the body.

Is hemiplegia the same as hemiparesis?

No. Hemiplegia means paralysis on one side of the body, while hemiparesis means weakness on one side of the body.

What can cause hemiplegia?

Hemiplegia can occur in several neurological conditions or after neurological injury. It is commonly associated with stroke, cerebral palsy and brain injury. In children, cerebral palsy resources commonly use hemiplegia to describe one side of the body being affected.

Can physiotherapy help with hemiplegia?

Physiotherapy may help support mobility, balance, walking, strength, transfers and physical participation for people living with hemiplegia. Support should be tailored to the person’s needs and goals.

Can occupational therapy help with hemiplegia?

Yes. Occupational therapy may assist with upper limb function, hand use, self-care, daily routines, fine motor tasks, equipment and independence in everyday activities.

Does everyone with hemiplegia need speech pathology?

Not always. Speech pathology may only be relevant if the person has associated communication, language, cognitive-communication, feeding or swallowing concerns.

Can hemiplegia affect walking?

Yes. Hemiplegia can affect walking, balance, coordination and movement on one side of the body, depending on the cause and severity. Stroke resources commonly describe one-sided paralysis as a major mobility-limiting problem.

Can children have hemiplegia?

Yes. Children can have hemiplegia, including as part of cerebral palsy. NHS and NINDS cerebral palsy resources describe hemiplegia as affecting one side of the body.

When should someone with hemiplegia see allied health?

Allied health may be worth considering when hemiplegia is affecting mobility, balance, hand use, daily living, school or work participation, endurance or independence.

If you or your family member is living with hemiplegia and would like support with mobility, balance, strength, hand function, daily living or participation, our team can discuss whether physiotherapy or allied health input may be appropriate for your needs. 

External Resources for Hemiplegia in Australia

For more information and support on hemiplegia, consider visiting the following Australian resources:

Brain Injury Australia – https://braininjuryaustralia.org.au – Provides support, advocacy, and resources for individuals living with brain injuries, including hemiplegia.

The National Stroke Foundation – https://strokefoundation.org.au – Offers resources for individuals who have had a stroke, a common cause of hemiplegia.

Spinal Cord Injuries Australia – https://www.scia.org.au – Offers support and information on spinal cord injuries, which can also lead to hemiplegia.

Cerebral Palsy Alliance – https://www.cerebralpalsy.org.au – Provides support for individuals with cerebral palsy, which can lead to hemiplegia in some cases.

Important disclaimer: This webpage contains general information only and is not intended to be relied upon as personal clinical advice. While we aim to keep information accurate and up to date, it may not reflect the most current research or your individual circumstances. Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health does not accept liability for decisions made based on this information without an individualised assessment by an appropriately qualified health professional. If you have concerns, please contact us to book an assessment or speak with your GP/medical team.