Regaining Independence in Burlington: The Benefits of Physiotherapy After a Stroke
- Folarin Babatunde PT PhD
- Jul 10
- 6 min read
Updated: Sep 23
Cogent Rehab Blog
Folarin Babatunde PT PhD MScSEM MScPT BScPT
July 11, 2025
Understanding Stroke and Its Impact
A stroke (also known as a Cerebrovascular Accident) happens when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, leading to brain cell damage. Depending on the area of the brain affected, a stroke can cause weakness, paralysis, balance issues, speech difficulties, and challenges with daily activities. Recovery after a stroke looks different for each individual, but early and ongoing rehabilitation is vital to restoring function and improving quality of life.
Learn more about our Neurological Physiotherapy Services in Burlington to see how Cogent Rehab supports stroke recovery for adults with a stroke.
What Causes a Stroke?
A stroke occurs when the brain’s blood supply is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting enough oxygen and nutrients. Brain cells begin to die within minutes. The main causes include:
Blocked arteries (ischemic stroke): The most common cause, where a clot or buildup of plaque reduces blood flow.
Leaking or bursting blood vessels (hemorrhagic stroke): Caused by high blood pressure, trauma, or aneurysms.
Transient ischemic attack (TIA): Sometimes called a “mini-stroke,” this occurs when blood flow is temporarily blocked. It is often a warning sign of a future stroke.
Types of Stroke
Ischemic Stroke – Occurs when a blood clot blocks or narrows an artery leading to the brain. Accounts for about 80% of strokes.
Hemorrhagic Stroke – Happens when a weakened blood vessel ruptures and bleeds into the brain.
Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) – A brief episode of stroke-like symptoms caused by a temporary disruption of blood supply. Though short-lived, it requires urgent medical evaluation.
The illustration shows how an ischemic stroke can occur in the brain. If a blood clot breaks away from plaque buildup in a carotid artery in the neck, it can travel to an artery in the brain. The clot can block blood flow to part of the brain, causing brain tissue death.
The illustration shows how a hemorrhagic stroke can occur in the brain. An aneurysm in a cerebral artery breaks open, which causes bleeding in the brain. The pressure of the blood causes brain tissue death.
Stroke Types at a Glance
Stroke can affect people differently depending on its cause. The table below compares the three main types of stroke—ischemic, hemorrhagic, and TIA—highlighting their causes, symptoms, and urgency of treatment.
Table: Infographic explaining Ischemic, Hemorrhagic, and TIA strokes with Causes, Symptoms, and Urgency for Treatment.
Summary: No matter the type, all strokes are medical emergencies that require immediate care. Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in rehabilitation after both major strokes and TIAs.
Why Physiotherapy Matters After a Stroke
Stroke rehabilitation physiotherapy in Burlington focuses on restoring independence and helping patients recover both physically and mentally.
Below are the main benefits of stroke rehab with physiotherapy.
Key Benefits of Physiotherapy After a Stroke
1. Restores Movement and Strength
Many stroke survivors experience muscle weakness or paralysis, especially on one side of the body. Physiotherapy uses tailored exercises to rebuild strength, improve flexibility, and restore mobility.
2. Improves Balance and Coordination
Falls are a common concern after a stroke due to impaired balance. Physiotherapists design targeted balance and gait training exercises to reduce fall risk and promote safe mobility. Read our Guide on Falls Prevention in Burlington to learn more.
3. Supports Walking Ability
For those who have difficulty walking after a stroke, physiotherapists can help retrain gait patterns and recommend assistive devices such as canes, walkers, or braces to make walking safer and more efficient.
4. Enhances Daily Function
Physiotherapy aims to restore independence with everyday activities such as standing, reaching, dressing, and moving around the home or community. Functional training is often incorporated into therapy sessions.
5. Reduces Pain and Spasticity
Some stroke survivors experience muscle stiffness (spasticity) or joint pain. Techniques such as stretching, manual therapy, and positioning strategies can help reduce discomfort and improve movement.
6. Encourages Brain Recovery
Through neuroplasticity, the brain can create new pathways to recover lost skills. Repeated movement practice guided by physiotherapists helps stimulate the brain’s natural ability to reorganize, adapt and regain normal movement.
7. Boosts Confidence and Mental Health
Stroke recovery can feel overwhelming. Physiotherapists provide not only physical support but also encouragement, motivation, and coping strategies—helping patients regain confidence in their abilities.
Summary: Physiotherapy after a stroke is not just about movement — it supports recovery of strength, balance, confidence, and daily independence.
When Should Physiotherapy Begin?
Timing is critical in stroke rehabilitation. Research shows that starting physiotherapy early, when medically safe, leads to better outcomes for stroke survivors.
Physiotherapy can start as early as the first few days after a stroke, once medically stable. Early intervention maximizes recovery, but it’s never too late to benefit. Even months or years later, stroke survivors can improve strength, function, and quality of life through physiotherapy.
🔗 For more information, visit the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada.
Summary: Whether you begin rehab days, months, or even years after a stroke, physiotherapy in Burlington can still help improve mobility, reduce stiffness, and promote long-term independence.
Physiotherapy in Burlington for Stroke Recovery
At Cogent Physical Rehabilitation Center in Burlington, our neurological physiotherapy team designs personalized programs for stroke recovery based on the NDT/Bobath Approach and Task Specific Training focused on regaining arm and leg function, walking ability independence, and quality of life.
Our clinic offers:
One-on-one physiotherapy sessions
Gait and balance training
Neuromuscular re-education
Strength and mobility programs
Home exercise programs for continued progress
Summary: With expert care and customized stroke rehabilitation programs, Cogent Rehab helps patients and families rebuild function, confidence, and hope.
Take the Next Step in Your Recovery
If you or a loved one has experienced a stroke, physiotherapy can make a life-changing difference. At Cogent Rehab, we’re here to help you rebuild, promote, and enhance your recovery journey.
Call us today: (905) 635-4422
Email: contactus@cogentrehab.com
Learn more about our Neurological Physiotherapy Services and Senior Care Physiotherapy Programs.
FAQs About Stroke Rehab and Physiotherapy
Patients and families often ask questions about stroke recovery. Below are some of the most common concerns we hear at our Burlington clinic.
Q1: How long does stroke recovery take with physiotherapy?
Recovery time varies depending on the severity of the stroke and individual health factors. Some people see improvements within weeks, while others may continue rehabilitation for months or years. Consistency is key.
Q2: Can physiotherapy help if the stroke happened years ago?
Yes. It’s never too late to start physiotherapy. Even years after a stroke, physiotherapy can improve mobility, reduce stiffness, and enhance quality of life.
Q3: What techniques do physiotherapists use for stroke recovery?
Common techniques include gait training, balance exercises, stretching, strengthening, manual therapy, task-specific training, and electrical stimulation for muscle activation.
Q4: Will I need physiotherapy forever after a stroke?
Not necessarily. Many stroke survivors reach a level of independence where ongoing therapy is not needed. However, some may continue periodic sessions for maintenance or to manage new challenges.
Q5: Does OHIP cover physiotherapy after a stroke?
Some patients may qualify for OHIP-funded physiotherapy if they meet eligibility criteria (such as age, hospital discharge status, or financial need). Otherwise, extended health insurance or private pay may apply.
Summary: Stroke rehabilitation is a journey. With the right physiotherapy support, recovery can continue for months and years, helping survivors regain independence and quality of life.
Sources
Shahid J, Kashif A, Shahid MK. A comprehensive review of physical therapy interventions for stroke rehabilitation: Impairment-based approaches and functional goals. Brain Sci. 2023;13:717.
Lee KE, Choi M, Jeoung B. Effectiveness of Rehabilitation Exercise in Improving Physical Function of Stroke Patients: A Systematic Review. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022;19:12739.
Kwakkel G, Veerbeek JM, van Wegen EEH, Wolf SL. Constraint-induced movement therapy after stroke. Lancet Neurol. 2015;14:224-234.
Zhuang J-Y, Ding L, Shu B-B, Chen D, Jia J. Associated Mirror Therapy Enhances Motor Recovery of the Upper Extremity and Daily Function after Stroke: A Randomized Control Study. Neural Plast. 2021;29:7266263.
Diaz-Arribas MJ, Martin-Casas P, Cana-de-la-Cuerda R, Plaza-Manzano G, Effectiveness of the Bobath concept in the treatment of stroke: a systematic review. Disabil Rehabil. 2020;42:1636-1649
Dorsch S, Carling C, Cao Z, Fanayan E, Graham PL, McCluskey A et al. Bobath therapy is inferior to task-specific training and not superior to other interventions in improving arm activity and arm strength outcomes after stroke: a systematic review. J Physiother. 2023;69:15-22
Scrivener K, Dorsch S, McCluskey A, Schurr K, Graham PL, Cao Z et al. Bobath therapy is inferior to task-specific training and not superior to other interventions in improving lower limb activities after stroke: a systematic review. J Physiother. 2020;66:225-235.
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