What is a stroke?

A stroke happens when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted or when a blood vessel in or on the brain bursts. It is a medical emergency and needs urgent hospital treatment. Stroke can affect movement, speech, swallowing, thinking and other body functions, and recovery can take time.

Early hospital treatment may include medicines to dissolve blood clots, procedures to remove a clot, or other urgent interventions depending on the type of stroke. After the acute stage, many people go on to rehabilitation to address the physical, cognitive and communication effects of stroke.

How stroke may affect daily function

Stroke affects each person differently, but it may impact:

• walking and mobility

• balance and falls risk

• arm and hand function

• transfers and everyday movement

• communication and speech

• swallowing and mealtime safety

• thinking, attention or planning

• self-care and daily routines

NINDS rehabilitation guidance notes that after stroke, some people experience hemiplegia or hemiparesis on one side of the body, as well as swallowing problems. Stroke can also affect how a person thinks, feels and communicates.

How Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health may help

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy may support adults after stroke where there are goals related to mobility, walking, balance, transfers, strength, endurance or physical participation. Depending on the person’s needs, physiotherapy may include:

• walking and mobility support

• balance and falls prevention strategies

• transfer practice and functional movement training

• strength and movement-based programs

• fatigue-aware rehabilitation

• mobility aid input where clinically appropriate

Stroke rehabilitation resources consistently include physiotherapy as a core part of recovery, particularly for movement, walking and physical function.

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy may help when stroke is affecting daily living, hand use, self-care, routines, home safety, equipment needs or independence. OT may include:

• self-care and daily routine strategies

• upper limb and hand function support

• task adaptation and environmental modification

• fatigue management and pacing

• equipment or assistive technology recommendations where appropriate

Stroke rehabilitation frameworks and stroke journey resources commonly include occupational therapy as part of multidisciplinary rehabilitation after stroke.

Speech Pathology

Speech pathology may be highly relevant where stroke affects speech, language, communication, cognitive-communication, feeding or swallowing. Stroke Foundation guidance explains that a speech pathologist can assess talking, listening, reading, writing and understanding, and work with the person on a rehabilitation program to meet their needs and goals. NINDS also notes that swallowing problems can occur after stroke.

Exercise Physiology

Exercise physiology may be appropriate for some people after stroke who need support with strength, conditioning, endurance or structured physical activity, especially during later rehabilitation phases. Programs should always be tailored carefully to the person’s function, fatigue, balance and safety needs. This is an inference from the broader role of exercise and therapy in stroke rehabilitation.

Our approach

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

improving walking and mobility

supporting balance and movement confidence

helping with transfers and everyday tasks

supporting communication or swallowing needs

adapting routines as function changes

supporting safety and participation in daily life

Stroke recovery is often gradual, and rehabilitation plans are commonly built around individual goals and the areas most affected by the stroke. NHS recovery guidance notes that rehabilitation exercises, activities and therapy sessions are often challenging, but are an important part of progress.

FAQ

What is a stroke or CVA?

A stroke, or cerebrovascular accident, happens when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked or when a blood vessel in or on the brain bursts. It is a medical emergency.

Is stroke an emergency?

Yes. NHS guidance states that a stroke needs urgent medical help in hospital because it can be life-threatening.

Can physiotherapy help after stroke?

Physiotherapy may help support mobility, walking, balance, transfers, strength and physical participation after stroke. Stroke rehabilitation frameworks commonly include physiotherapy as part of recovery.

Can occupational therapy help after stroke?

Yes. Occupational therapy may assist with self-care, upper limb use, home safety, equipment, daily routines and independence in everyday activities after stroke.

Can stroke affect speech or swallowing?

Yes. Stroke can affect communication, language and swallowing. Stroke Foundation and NINDS resources both note that speech pathologists play an important role in assessing and supporting these areas.

What is hemiplegia after stroke?

Hemiplegia means paralysis on one side of the body. NINDS rehabilitation guidance notes that paralysis on one side after stroke is called hemiplegia, while weakness on one side is called hemiparesis.

Can people recover after stroke?

Recovery varies from person to person and depends on how the stroke affected them and their rehabilitation plan. NHS guidance notes that therapy and rehabilitation are an important part of recovery.

Can allied health treat stroke itself?

No. Stroke requires urgent hospital diagnosis and medical treatment. Allied health does not treat the stroke itself, but may support movement, communication, swallowing, daily function and rehabilitation after the stroke.

When should someone see allied health after stroke?

Allied health may be worth considering when stroke is affecting mobility, balance, arm or hand function, communication, swallowing, daily living or independence. Rehabilitation is commonly recommended after stroke to address these effects.

If you or your family member is recovering from stroke and would like support with mobility, balance, daily function, communication or swallowing, our team can discuss whether physiotherapy or allied health input may be appropriate for your needs. 

Please visit these other websites for further information:

Stroke Foundation Australia – National charity focused on stroke prevention, treatment, and recovery resources.

https://strokefoundation.org.au

Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) – Provides resources on physiotherapy’s role in stroke recovery.

https://australian.physio

EnableMe: Stroke Recovery Website – A stroke recovery hub offering information, peer support, and rehabilitation resources.

https://enableme.org.au

StrokeLine – A free advice service provided by the Stroke Foundation for people impacted by stroke.

https://strokefoundation.org.au/What-we-do/For-survivors-of-stroke/StrokeLine

Brain Injury Australia – Resources and support for people affected by brain injuries, including stroke survivors.

https://www.braininjuryaustralia.org.au

National Stroke Week – Information on stroke awareness events and resources.

https://strokefoundation.org.au/How-you-can-help/National-Stroke-Week

Occupational Therapy Australia – Information on occupational therapy services for stroke survivors.

https://otaus.com.au

Cerebral Palsy Alliance – Provides therapy services for children and adults with neurological conditions, including stroke recovery.

https://cerebralpalsy.org.au

Australian Aphasia Association – Support for people with aphasia, a common language disorder after stroke.

https://aphasia.org.au

NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) – Information on disability support for stroke survivors.

https://www.ndis.gov.au

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.