Exercise Physiology for stroke rehabilitation
Recovery after a stroke does not stop when you leave hospital. We build an individual program for strength, balance, walking and fitness, around the goals that matter to you, and we work with the rest of your stroke team.
✓ After hospital rehab✓ Carers welcome✓ No referral needed
The brain can keep adapting, and practice is what drives it
After a stroke the brain can reorganise so that other areas help with lost functions. This is called neuroplasticity, and it depends on repeated, purposeful practice of the movements you want to recover.
The fastest recovery usually happens in the first months, but research shows people can still improve strength, walking and fitness with training much later. We cannot promise how much any one person will recover. We can help you keep working at it in a structured, safe way.
Four reasons to keep exercising after a stroke
Task-specific training
Rehabilitation works best when you practise the actual tasks you want back, such as walking, stairs or using your affected arm.
Heart and general health
Stroke guidelines recommend regular physical activity as part of lowering the risk of another stroke, alongside your medication and medical care.
Rebuilding after hospital
Weakness and lost fitness are common after a stroke and a hospital stay. Progressive strengthening addresses both.
Keeping your gains
Formal rehab often ends after a few months. An ongoing program helps you hold on to what you gained and keep building.
A program built around your stroke and your goals
Every stroke is different. We assess your strength, balance, walking, arm function and fitness before prescribing anything.
Progressive strength
Resistance exercise for the affected side and trunk, allowing for spasticity and weakness patterns.
Balance and falls prevention
Graded balance training and practice of everyday movements to lower falls risk and build confidence.
Walking
Work on speed, evenness, endurance and confidence, with or without a walking aid.
Aerobic fitness
Heart and lung fitness for energy and general health, at an intensity agreed with your doctor where needed.
Arm and hand
Upper limb strengthening and task practice, in line with goals set by your occupational therapist where you have one.
Fatigue
Fatigue is very common after stroke. We build pacing into your program so you can do more without crashing.
Mood and thinking
Low mood is common after stroke. Regular exercise can help, and we will suggest your GP if we are concerned.
Working with your team
With your consent we share progress with your GP, neurologist, physiotherapist and occupational therapist.
Who we see
Stroke survivors living at home, from soon after discharge to years later.
What to expect
Assessment
We review your stroke history, discharge summary, medications and what rehab you have done. We assess strength, balance, walking, arm function and fitness. Family and carers are welcome.
Goals
We agree on what matters most, whether that is walking to the letterbox, managing stairs or getting back to a hobby.
Individual program
A program for your specific difficulties, allowing for fatigue, spasticity and any aids you use. It is in our app with videos for home practice.
Supervised sessions
We supervise, monitor how you respond and progress the program. If we notice anything that needs medical attention, we refer you back to your doctor.
Reviews and reports
Regular reviews using recognised measures of walking, balance and function. With your consent we send updates to your care team.
Please bring your hospital discharge summary to your first visit. If your stroke or TIA was recent, check with your doctor that you are cleared to exercise.
Ways to fund your program
What you pay depends on your funding. We can check your options before your first visit.
GP Chronic Condition Management Plan
If your GP includes Exercise Physiology on a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (previously called a Chronic Disease Management plan), for example for the effects of a stroke, Medicare pays a rebate on up to five allied health sessions per calendar year. Your GP decides eligibility.
Self and plan managed
If Exercise Physiology is included in your NDIS plan and you are self managed or plan managed, we can provide it. Funding depends on your plan and goals.
Gold and White Card
With a GP referral, DVA covers clinically necessary Exercise Physiology for Gold Card holders, and for White Card holders where it relates to an accepted condition.
Support at Home and CHSP
Exercise Physiology can often be included in an aged care package. Ask us or your care manager what your funding covers.
Extras cover
Most extras policies that include Exercise Physiology pay a rebate. Your fund can tell you your annual limit.
No referral needed
You can book directly and pay privately. See our pricing page for current fees.
See pricing for current fees and rebates.
Stroke rehabilitation FAQs
Can Exercise Physiology help after a stroke?+
When can I start after a stroke?+
Is it too late if my stroke was years ago?+
My affected side is very weak. Can you still work with me?+
I get very tired after activity. Can exercise help?+
Do I need a referral?+
Keep reading
Want to keep making progress after a stroke?
Book your first appointment online or call us. Family members and carers are welcome.
✓ No referral needed✓ Carers welcome✓ Free on-site parking