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Stroke Recovery Exercises: Overview

  • Aug 4
  • 2 min read

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Stroke recovery exercises are essential for rebuilding strength, mobility, coordination, and cognitive function. A well-rounded program helps improve independence and reduces the risk of future strokes.


1. Mobility & Flexibility

Focus: Reduce stiffness, improve range of motion

  • Shoulder rolls: Roll shoulders forward and backward while seated

  • Neck stretches: Gently tilt your head side to side, holding for 5 seconds

  • Ankle pumps: Move ankles up and down to boost circulation Great early in recovery and for limited mobility


2. Strength & Muscle Activation

Focus: Rebuild strength, prevent muscle loss

  • Seated leg lifts: Lift one leg out, hold for 3–5 seconds

  • Wall push-ups: Push away from a wall using controlled motion

  • Grip exercises: Squeeze a stress ball to build hand strength

  • Resistance bands: Try gentle curls or shoulder presses Resistance work aids long-term recovery


3. Balance & Coordination

Focus: Improve stability, reduce fall risk

  • Heel-to-toe walking: Walk in a straight line, heel to toe

  • Weight shifts: Stand and shift weight from side to side

  • Sit-to-stand: Practice controlled transitions from a chair

    Stay near support or work with a helper


4. Arm & Hand Function (Hemiparesis)

Focus: Regain fine motor skills and independence

  • Towel slides: Slide a towel across a table using the affected hand

  • Finger taps: Touch each fingertip to your thumb

  • Putty exercises: Stretch, roll, and pinch therapy putty Helps with tasks like dressing or using utensils


5. Cognitive & Dual Tasking 

Focus: Engage both mind and body

  • March in place while counting backward

  • Balance while naming words (e.g., animals)

  • Walk around objects while naming colors or letters

    Boosts attention, memory, and multitasking skills


Chair Yoga & Tai Chi

Gentle and widely accessible, these improve flexibility, core strength, breathing, and body awareness. Excellent for community or home use.


Frequency & Safety Tips

  • Aim: 20–30 minutes, 3–5 days/week

  • Warm-up & Cool-down: Gentle breathing and movement before and after

  • Safety:

    • Don’t overexert

    • Stop if dizzy or tired

    • Use walls, railings, or ask for help

    • Talk to your physio before new exercises


Rehab Boosters to Ask About

  • CIMT (Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy)

  • Neuroplasticity techniques

  • FES (Functional Electrical Stimulation)

 
 
 

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