Should you have a stroke that damages the portion of the brain that controls movement, you may experience paralysis or weakness on one side of the body. Problems often develop with performing daily activities as well. By undergoing physiotherapy, you can recover and make progress gradually.

How a Stroke Can Affect Movement

A stroke can affect movement in one of several ways. As noted, a patient may feel weak or experience hemiplegia (complete paralysis) on one side of the body. Therefore, the limbs may move differently than how they are intended to be used. For example, the hip may move in an upwards direction when you try to step forward. The elbow may move outward when you try to pick up an item on a counter.

Limbs can feel heavy because of weakness or they may feel numb. Other sensations that are noted include pins and needles or cold and hot. Posture and balance can become challenging too. Therefore, it may be difficult to remain upright, which increases the chance of falling.

An Increased Susceptibility to Injury

Any joints on the affected side may be more susceptible to injury. For instance, if someone pulls on your arm, it may result in subluxation, or a frozen shoulder. As the name implies, the shoulder is difficult to move. Frozen shoulder is a painful condition as well.

As a result mobile physiotherapy in Perth is welcome by stroke patients. In fact, physiotherapy is an essential part of the rehabilitation process. The main emphasis is placed on helping the patient to learn to use his or her legs and arms once more.


Neurophysiotherapy is considered specialism of physiotherapy. A physiotherapist that covers this area focuses on the neurological changes that result from the damage caused from a stroke.

How a Physiotherapist Helps

Depending on your individual needs, a physiotherapist will assist you in the following ways:

  • Assist nurses in setting up a plan of care–a plan that avoids any issues that may slow recovery.
  • Advise you on how you should position yourself when sitting or lying, and how often you should be moved.
  • Decide when you should get out of bed and begin walking.
  • Decide on what equipment is needed to support your therapy.
  • Motivate you in your sessions while you relearn routine patterns of movement.
  • Provide therapy to strengthen the limbs and muscles.
  • Teach you to move independently.
  • Coordinate with the rehabilitation team to support your recovery.
  • Advise family and carers about what you can do independently.

In the early part of a physiotherapy treatment plan, the focus is on preventing any complications and helping the patient to regain regular movement. As time progresses, the focus is on helping the patient become more independent. Certain exercises will be emphasised, with each movement performed continuously to ensure recovery.