Common symptoms
- Weakness or paralysis on one side of the body
- Difficulty walking or balancing
- Stiff or tight muscles (spasticity)
- Reduced hand and arm control
Common causes
- Blocked blood vessel in the brain (ischaemic stroke)
- Bleeding in the brain (haemorrhagic stroke)
How physiotherapy helps
- Task-based movement training
- Balance and walking re-education on parallel bars
- Hand and arm function training
- Spasticity management and stretching
- Carer training and home-visit support
When to see a doctor urgently
- New face drooping, arm weakness or slurred speech — call emergency services (108) immediately
Frequently asked questions
Is it too late to start rehab months after a stroke?
No. While early rehab is ideal, many patients continue to improve with physiotherapy long after their stroke.