The brain is at its most adaptable in the months immediately after a stroke. This window — broadly the first six months — is when structured rehabilitation produces the largest and most durable gains in function.
Motor relearning
Recovery is driven by repetition of task-specific movement. Reaching, grasping, standing and walking are practised in graded difficulty, with the therapist adjusting support as control returns.
Spasticity
Increased muscle tone can undo progress by locking joints into unhelpful positions. Managed early with positioning, stretch programmes and where needed botulinum toxin, spasticity stops being an obstacle to training.
Balance and gait
Independent walking depends as much on balance and confidence as on strength. Gait retraining addresses step length, weight transfer and the fear of falling together.
