Stroke Recovery
Recovering from a stroke is all about finding your rhythm again, regaining function, and building up confidence in your body. At Physit, we help make recovery feel possible, practical, and personal, one step at a time.
What Is a Stroke?
A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is suddenly interrupted, either by a clot (ischaemic stroke) or a bleed (haemorrhagic stroke). Without proper blood flow, brain cells can become damaged or die, which can affect how your body moves, feels, and responds.
Because the brain controls every function in your body, the effects of a stroke can vary widely. Some people experience weakness or paralysis on one side of the body, while others may struggle with balance, speech, memory, or coordination. Even everyday tasks (like getting out of bed, brushing your teeth, or walking to the kitchen) can feel a lot harder than they used to.
But recovery is absolutely possible. With the right kind of support and movement-focused care, many people go on to regain their independence, improve their function, and rebuild their confidence.
At Physit, we’re here to help you take that next step with expert, compassionate neurological physiotherapy brought right to your home.
Common Effects of a Stroke
Every stroke is different, and the impact that it has can depend on which part of the brain was affected. Some changes are more visible, while others are more subtle but just as important to address. Here are some of the most common effects people experience after a stroke:
- Weakness or paralysis on one side of the body
- Muscle stiffness or spasticity
- Difficulty with walking or balance
- Poor coordination or control of movements
- Fatigue, especially during physical activity
- Trouble with speech or swallowing
- Changes in vision, attention, or memory
- Reduced confidence in movement or daily tasks
These symptoms can make everyday life feel unfamiliar or unpredictable. Your body and brain can learn to work together in new ways, building your strength, stability, and confidence with time and a lot of patience.
What Can Affect Stroke Recovery?
While recovery after a stroke can be highly personal, there are certain factors that may influence how your progress feels from day to day. Being aware of these factors can help you and your care team create a customised plan for your success:
- Size and location of the stroke: Depending on where the brain was affected, different functions (like speech, movement, or sensation) may be impacted.
- Time since the stroke: While early intervention is ideal, meaningful gains are still possible months or even years later with the right approach.
- Level of activity and engagement: Staying active (in a safe, supported way) plays a major role in helping the brain rewire and adapt through a process called neuroplasticity.
- Fatigue and energy levels: Stroke recovery often involves physical and mental fatigue. Pacing yourself is very important, and rest is all part of the process.
- Emotional well-being: Changes in mood, motivation, or confidence are common, and support in these areas is just as important as your physical recovery.
- Consistency of therapy: Regular, personalised physiotherapy makes it easier to build new movement patterns and improve your function level in meaningful ways.
What Causes a Stroke?
Strokes happen when the blood supply to the brain is disrupted. This can happen in two main ways:
- Ischaemic stroke: Caused by a blood clot blocking an artery in the brain. This is the most common type, and it reduces the oxygen flow to vital brain cells.
- Haemorrhagic stroke: Caused by a blood vessel in the brain bursting, which leads to bleeding and pressure on the surrounding brain tissue.
In both cases, the affected brain cells can’t work properly, which leads to sudden changes in movement, speech, vision, or thinking. Some of the most common risk factors include high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, smoking, and a history of strokes or TIAs (transient ischaemic attacks). You may also hear these called mini-strokes.
Although strokes often occur suddenly, recovery doesn’t have to be rushed. At Physit, we help you move forward at a steady pace that fits your unique needs, with the support, clarity, and consistency that your recovery deserves.
How Physit Can Help
Stroke recovery takes time, but it’s never a journey that you have to take alone. We work closely with specialised neuro physios to help people regain both their function and independence after a stroke, all from the comfort of their own home.
We take the time to understand your abilities, your goals, and your daily routine, so that every session feels purposeful and relevant. Whether you’re working on walking safely, using your affected arm, or simply standing up with confidence, we’re here to help you get there.
Here’s what your treatment may include.
- Hands-on therapy: Gentle techniques help reduce stiffness, encourage joint movement, and relieve tension in affected limbs. This can help ease your discomfort and make movement more manageable.
- Balance and walking retraining: We guide you through structured movement that helps you relearn how to safely walk, reduce your risk of falling, and feel steadier on your feet.
- Strength and motor control exercises: Specialised exercises help rebuild strength, especially on your affected side, and improve control over your movements so that tasks feel smoother and more natural.
- Functional training for daily tasks: From standing up to preparing meals, we work with you on the activities that matter most, restoring your independence in the areas you care about the most.
- Postural support and positioning: We help optimise how you sit, stand, and lie down, reducing strain and preventing issues like pressure injuries or muscle shortening.
- Pacing and fatigue management: We teach you how to balance both activity and rest, so you can make progress without feeling overwhelmed or worn out.
- Progress tracking and encouragement: Every step counts. We monitor your improvement, adjust your plan as needed, and cheer you on as your confidence and ability grow.
With Physit, it’s all about rebuilding life after a stroke with specialised care, steady progress, and a team that truly understands your journey. Every session is designed to meet you where you are, with thoughtful support that adapts as you improve. You’re never just going through the motions. You’re moving forward with purpose, and we’re right there beside you.
Conditions We Treat
Our London home and work visit physiotherapists are highly experienced in assessing and treating a wide range of conditions, including but not limited to:
0204 570 2391- Post-surgical rehabilitation (knee, hip, shoulder, and spinal surgeries, as well as general surgical recovery)
- Age-related mobility issues, including falls prevention and balance training
- Chronic pain management (back pain, arthritis, and joint stiffness)
- Neurological conditions impacting mobility and coordination
- Post-hospital deconditioning and general rehabilitation to restore strength, balance, and independence
- All musculoskeletal realted injuries or pain
Frequently Asked Questions About Stroke Recovery
1. Can physiotherapy really help after a stroke?
Yes. Physiotherapy — particularly in combination with occupational therapy and speech therapy, if needed — is one of the most effective ways to support recovery after a stroke, and ideally is started as early as possible. It helps improve strength, coordination, balance, and confidence, all while encouraging your brain to adapt and form new movement pathways.
2. Is it too late to start if the stroke happened months ago?
Not at all. While early therapy is helpful, improvement is possible well beyond the first few weeks or months. Our care plans are tailored to where you are right now, not where you “should” be.
3. Do I need to be able to walk to start therapy?
No. We work with clients at every stage of recovery, including those who need support standing, sitting, or repositioning. We always begin with a full assessment and create a plan that fits your current abilities.
4. Do I need a referral to work with Physit?
No referral is needed. You can book directly with us for an in-home assessment, and we’ll build a personalised plan around your needs, your goals, and your home environment.
Every Step Forward Begins with Support
Life after a stroke can feel uncertain, but your recovery doesn’t have to. With Physit, you receive expert care designed around your needs, your space, and your pace. From helping you walk again to assisting you in your everyday tasks, we’re here to guide you with patience, purpose, and encouragement.