neurological
UK Evidence-Informed Protocol
Stroke & Neurological Motor Recovery
Neuroplasticity-based physical therapy to restore movement, balance, and independence after stroke.
Clinical Overview:
Following a cerebrovascular accident (ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke), brain tissue is damaged, disrupting signals between the brain and musculoskeletal system. Neurological rehabilitation aims to rewire alternate neural pathways.
Living Anatomical Rig (WebGL)
03 — What Can It Feel Like?
Common Symptoms
Hemiparesis or hemiplegia (weakness or paralysis affecting one side of the body)
Spasticity and altered muscle tone in the affected arm or leg
Impaired balance, spatial neglect, and increased fall risk
Difficulty with motor planning and fluid gait coordination
04 — Movement Consequences
How It Affects Daily Function
Asymmetrical walking pattern with circumduction of the affected leg
Difficulty standing up from a chair without upper limb compensation
Reduced functional use of the affected hand for holding utensils or dressing
05 — Clinical Assessment
What Your Physiotherapist Evaluates
Fugl-Meyer Assessment for motor recovery grading
Berg Balance Scale and 10-Meter Walk Test
Modified Ashworth Scale for spasticity quantification
Assessment of posture, midline orientation, and shoulder subluxation
06 — Treatment Options
Evidence-Informed Rehabilitation
Task-Specific Training (repetitive practice of real-life functional tasks)
Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) where clinically appropriate
Body-weight supported gait training and functional electrical stimulation (FES)
Neuro-developmental balance and transfers retraining
07 — Rehabilitation Journey
*Timelines vary based on tissue biologyPhased Recovery Pathway
STAGE 01Weeks 1–4
Phase 1: Early Bed & Chair Mobility
Safe sitting balance, transfers, prevent shoulder subluxation
Focus: Trunk control, bed mobility, sit-to-stand mechanics, tone management.
STAGE 02Weeks 5–16
Phase 2: Standing & Gait Re-Education
Symmetrical weight-bearing, safe walking with or without assistive aids
Focus: Overground gait drills, step training, spasticity stretches, hand grasp.
STAGE 03Months 4–12+
Phase 3: Community Independence
Outdoor walking, community navigation, dual-task mobility
Focus: Advanced dynamic balance, fine motor dexterity, and recreational return.
08 — Home Support & Education
Daily Self-Management
Encourage use of the affected arm and leg in daily routines whenever safely possible
Position the affected shoulder with proper support to avoid subluxation strain
Perform daily passive and active-assisted range of motion to prevent joint contractures
09 — Urgent Safety Guidance
When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Sudden onset of new facial droop, arm weakness, or slurred speech (Call 911 immediately)
Severe sudden headache of unknown cause
Sudden loss of vision or sudden acute balance collapse
10 — Clinical Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can functional recovery still occur months or years after a stroke?
Yes. While the fastest rate of neuroplastic recovery occurs in the first 3–6 months, high-repetition task-specific physical therapy can stimulate functional motor improvements for years post-stroke.