What is it?
Physiotherapy after a stroke is essential for maximising recovery of movement, strength, balance, and functional independence. The brain has the remarkable ability to reorganise (neuroplasticity), and physiotherapy-driven repetitive, task-specific practice is the most powerful stimulus for recovery.
Common causes
- Stroke rehabilitation follows ischaemic stroke (blocked artery) or haemorrhagic stroke (bleeding)
- The degree of physiotherapy need depends on which areas of the brain were affected
Signs and symptoms
- Weakness or paralysis on one side of the body (hemiplegia/hemiparesis)
- Impaired balance and coordination
- Difficulty walking (altered gait pattern)
- Spasticity (muscle stiffness) on the affected side
- Reduced sensation and proprioception
Physiotherapy treatment at VPARC
- Early mobilisation — starting within 24–48 hours of stroke when medically stable
- Gait retraining and walking aids prescription
- Upper limb functional training for reaching, grasping, and daily tasks
- Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) for weak muscles
- Spasticity management: positioning, splinting, stretching
What you can do at home
- Perform prescribed repetitive exercises 5–6 times daily — repetition drives neuroplasticity
- Maintain the affected arm and leg in good positions to prevent contractures
- Encourage use of the affected side in all daily activities
- Caregiver training is essential — family involvement significantly improves outcomes
When to visit VPARC
Begin physiotherapy at VPARC as early as possible after medical stabilisation. Recovery is greatest in the first 3–6 months, but improvement continues for years with continued rehabilitation.
Call +91 98896 78838 or read more on our Neuro Physiotherapy in Varanasi page. This leaflet is general information and does not replace a medical assessment.