Physiotherapy for Stroke Patients: Benefits, Duration & Cost

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Physiotherapy for Stroke Patients: Benefits, Duration & Cost

Millions of patients worldwide struggle every year with the long and laborious process of rehabilitation after such disorders.

A stroke is a medical emergency. It occurs when something (a blood clot) prevents your brain from receiving an adequate blood flow. 

There are 2 types of stroke:

  • An ischemic stroke (90% of strokes): It happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is blocked or decreased, preventing the brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients. Brain cells start to die in minutes.
  • Hemorrhagic stroke: It happens due to sudden bleeding in the brain. The leaked blood hits the brain cells with pressure and damages them.

There is one more type: a transient ischemic attack (TIA), also known as a “mini-stroke.” It is like a stroke; however, the effects are temporary. It can be an indication that an individual has a high chance of getting hit with a real stroke.

If you notice any person experiencing “FAST,” the following symptoms, seek immediate attention:

  • Face. Ask the individual to smile. Notice if one side of the face droops?
  • Arms. Ask the individual to raise both arms. Notice if one arm drifts downward. Or is one arm unable to rise?
  • Speech. Ask the individual to reiterate a simple phrase. Is the person's speech slurred or unusual?
  • Time. If you see any of these signs, call emergency medical help right away because every minute matters.

There are many reasons for a stroke, as per the category.

  • Ischemic strokes usually happen due to atherosclerosis (hardened arteries), heart defects, clotting disorders, etc.
  • Hemorrhagic strokes can happen due to high blood pressure, brain tumors, brain aneurysms, etc.

Long-Term Effects of a Stroke

The effect depends on the type and severity of the stroke; some of the impacts are:

A. Physical Effects

  • One side of the body, an arm, or a leg, paralysis or weakness
  • Disturbed motor skills, difficulty lifting a foot
  • Inability to speak properly
  • Impaired balance and coordination

B. Cognitive & Emotional Effects

  • Memory loss
  • Impaired judgment, reasoning
  • Trouble speaking or understanding language (Aphasia)
  • anxiety, irritability, frustration

C. Other Chronic Complications

  • Vision problems
  • Persistent and heavy fatigue
  • increased risk of seizures
  • Inability to work, drive, or live independently

The emergency treatment of stroke may involve tPA (tissue plasminogen activator), surgical procedures to remove a large clot for ischemic stroke, and surgery and medications to help control bleeding for hemorrhagic stroke.

But for long-term benefits, stroke rehabilitation, such as cognitive rehab, occupational therapy, physiotherapy or physical therapy, speech therapy, etc., is an important part of stroke treatment at the best rehabilitation centers like Walk Again. 

Let's explore the benefits of physiotherapy for stroke patients.

How Physiotherapy Helps Stroke Patients

Physical therapy provides the following benefits to the individual after a stroke.

1. Enhanced Mobility

Physiotherapy helps individuals after a stroke regain movement by retraining the brain and muscles to work in sync. Exercises help trigger motor pathways for better walking and arm use.

2. Strengthening of Muscle

It helps rebuild strength in weakened muscles and avoid muscle wasting (atrophy) caused by immobility.

3. Better Coordination

Physical therapy under a professional at Walk Again trains the brain to control movements more effortlessly by repetitive practice and developing better hand-eye coordination.

4. Help Achieve a More Independent Life

Physiotherapy supports stroke survivors in performing self-care activities such as dressing and bathing by improving mobility and strength. This helps improve their confidence, reduce reliance on others, and develop a positive outlook towards life.

5. Decreased Muscle Spasticity

Physiotherapy uses techniques like stretching, positioning, and movement to relax stiff muscles because of abnormal nerve signals. This reduces pain and makes movements smoother.

6. Help Avoid Secondary Complications

They help prevent other secondary complications like bedsores, joint stiffness, and muscle contractures due to prolonged immobility.

7. Better Balance and Stability

Balancing physical exercises lowers the risk of falls by helping individuals maintain postural control via better sensory and motor integration.

8. Help Provide Psychological Benefits

Positive results achieved through physiotherapy lift mood and lower anxiety. This promotes mental well-being side by side with physical healing.

Which Physiotherapy Is Best for Stroke Patients?

There is no single technique that is best; the effective outcome is achieved through a comprehensive approach.

  • Range of Motion Exercises
  • Strength Training
  • Gait Training
  • Balance Exercises
  • Neurodevelopmental Techniques (NDT)
  • Aquatic Therapy
  • Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES)
  • Occupational Therapy Support

Physiotherapy for Stroke Patients Exercise

Here are some of the effective exercises targeting different body parts.

  • Seated Marching
  • Shoulder Rolls
  • Hand Squeezes
  • Bridging Exercise
  • Heel Slides
  • Wall Push-Ups
  • Standing Balance Holds
  • Knee Extensions (Seated Leg Lifts)
  • Toe & Heel Raises
  • Reaching & Grasping Tasks

Duration & Cost of Physiotherapy for Stroke Patients

  • A. Duration of Physiotherapy: The usual recommended duration is approximately 8 to 12 weeks with 2-3 sessions (30 to 45 minutes each) per week. But the recovery may require months or years, depending on the person’s progress.
  • B. Cost of Physiotherapy: A home visit may cost around Rs. 500 to Rs. 1000 per session, while monthly expenses can be around Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 30,000. The charge for personalized and long-term rehabilitation packages can be higher.

When Should I Start Physiotherapy for Stroke Recovery

Ideally, physiotherapy for stroke patients can be started as soon as the patient is medically stable, usually within 24 to 48 hours after the stroke. This maximizes recovery by triggering brain plasticity and avoiding complications from immobility.

Physiotherapy for Stroke Patients Near Me | Walk Again

Walk Again is known as one of the best stroke rehabilitation centers in India because we offer comprehensive care for multiple health conditions, such as:

Read the patient success stories here.

Ready to maximize post-stroke recovery effectively? Contact Walk Again at:

  • care@walkagain.sg
  • Delhi: +91 9319488481
  • Bengaluru: +91 9035030623
  • Hyderabad: +91 9355506625
  • Muscat: +968 22 496007
  • Malaysia: +606 235 4000

Book Physiotherapy Session

According to multiple research studies, early interventions and ongoing multidisciplinary care significantly help recovery from stroke.

This article was prepared by the Walk Again and Rehabilitation Team, a trusted healthcare provider in diagnosing and managing neurological conditions, including stroke. Every article is medically reviewed to ensure reliability and clinical accuracy.