Stroke Recovery
8 minute read
Physical Therapy Exercises You Can Do at Home
Safe, effective exercises to improve mobility, strength, and coordination during stroke rehabilitation
Safety First
Always consult with your physical therapist or doctor before starting any exercise program.These exercises are general guidelines—your therapy plan should be customized to your specific needs and abilities.
• Have someone nearby for assistance, especially with balance exercises
• Stop immediately if you experience pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath
• Use sturdy furniture or counters for support
• Start slowly and progress gradually
Consistent home exercise is crucial for stroke recovery. These exercises complement professional therapy sessions and help maintain progress between appointments. Remember: neuroplasticity—the brain's ability to rewire itself—requires repetition and consistency. The more you practice, the stronger those new neural pathways become.
Leg Strengthening & Mobility
Seated Marching
How to do it: Sit in a sturdy chair with feet flat. Lift one knee toward chest, hold 3 seconds, lower. Alternate legs.
Repetitions: 10-15 each leg, 2-3 sets
Benefits: Strengthens hip flexors, improves walking ability
Ankle Pumps
How to do it: Sitting or lying down, flex foot up (toes toward shin), then point toes down. Move slowly through full range.
Repetitions: 20 each foot, 3 sets
Benefits: Prevents blood clots, improves circulation, increases ankle mobility
Sit-to-Stand
How to do it: From seated position, lean forward slightly and push through feet to stand. Use arms for support if needed. Lower back down with control.
Repetitions: 5-10 repetitions, 2-3 sets
Benefits: Builds leg strength, improves balance, essential for daily function
Arm & Hand Exercises
Shoulder Flexion
How to do it: Sitting or standing, raise affected arm forward and up as high as comfortable. Use other arm to assist if needed.
Repetitions: 10-15 repetitions, 2-3 sets
Benefits: Increases shoulder range of motion, reduces stiffness
Finger Taps
How to do it: Touch thumb to each fingertip in sequence (index, middle, ring, pinky). Repeat backward.
Repetitions: 5-10 sequences, 3 sets
Benefits: Improves fine motor control, hand coordination
Grasp and Release
How to do it: Squeeze a soft ball or towel, hold 5 seconds, release. Focus on full finger extension when releasing.
Repetitions: 10-15 squeezes, 2-3 sets
Benefits: Builds grip strength, reduces hand stiffness
Balance & Coordination
Single-Leg Stance
How to do it: Stand near counter for support. Lift one foot slightly off ground, hold 10-30 seconds. Keep body upright.
Repetitions: 3-5 holds each leg
Benefits: Improves balance, builds confidence for walking
Heel-to-Toe Walk
How to do it: Walk forward placing heel of one foot directly in front of toes of other foot. Use wall for balance support.
Repetitions: 10-20 steps, 2-3 sets
Benefits: Enhances balance, gait coordination
Sit-to-Stand with Reach
How to do it: Stand from chair and reach for an object placed at shoulder height. Return to seated position.
Repetitions: 8-10 repetitions
Benefits: Combines strength, balance, and coordination
Core & Posture
Seated Rotation
How to do it: Sit tall, arms crossed over chest. Rotate upper body left and right, keeping hips still.
Repetitions: 10 each direction, 2 sets
Benefits: Improves trunk rotation, balance, posture
Bridge Exercise
How to do it: Lie on back, knees bent, feet flat. Lift hips toward ceiling, hold 5 seconds, lower.
Repetitions: 10-15 repetitions, 2 sets
Benefits: Strengthens glutes, lower back, core
Wall Angels
How to do it: Stand with back against wall. Raise arms to form 'W' shape, then slide arms up overhead into 'Y' shape.
Repetitions: 10-15 repetitions, 2 sets
Benefits: Improves posture, shoulder mobility, upper body strength
Days 7-21: Early Rehabilitation
Beginning Recovery and Skill Rebuilding
What Happens
• Transfer to inpatient rehabilitation facility (if needed)
• Intensive therapy begins: 3+ hours daily
• Physical therapy to regain movement and strength
• Occupational therapy for daily living skills
• Speech therapy for communication and swallowing
• Cognitive assessments and memory exercises
• Family training on how to assist with care
Your Role as Family Caregiver
• Participate in therapy sessions when possible
• Learn proper techniques for transfers and mobility assistance
• Practice communication strategies with speech therapist
• Begin making home modifications for safety
• Coordinate outpatient therapy arrangements
• Join caregiver support groups
Tips for Success
Building a Routine
What Happens
• Exercise at the same time each day
• Start with 10-15 minutes, gradually increase
• Break into shorter sessions if fatigued
• Track progress in a journal
• Celebrate small victories
Staying Motivated
• Set realistic, achievable goals
• Exercise with family or friends
• Play music during exercises
• Focus on function, not perfection
• Remember: progress isn't always linear
When to Progress Exercises
Signs you're ready to increase difficulty:
✓ You can complete all sets without excessive fatigue
✓ The exercise feels easier than when you started
✓ You're maintaining good form throughout
✓ Your therapist approves the progression
Ways to progress: Add repetitions, increase hold times, reduce support, add light weights, or combine exercises into functional movements.
Need Help with Home Exercise Programs?
Our caregivers can assist with daily exercises and ensure proper technique
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