My doctor has told me that physiotherapy is not necessary.

An assessment will determine whether this is the case. Often people who have had strokes but who have recovered very good mobility still have subtle problems with balance - for example when getting out of bed at night to use the toilet or in busy streets when tired and carrying shopping. In this case the physiotherapist can give exercises to challenge and improve fine balance control.

I had a stroke 3 years ago - is physiotherapy now going to make any difference?

When there is difficulty moving part of your body, then the other parts tend to take over. It then needs particular effort and training to change the way the body has learned to move.

A physiotherapist will look in details at how the patient moves, why they move like that and then decide whether there is a possibility to move in a more efficient and balanced way. Although greatest progress is made soon after a stroke, small but important improvements may continue for many years.

Will I be expected to do exercises at home?

Generally physiotherapists will recommend appropriate exercises or activities to do at home. The amount of exercises will depend on the ability of the person, their motivation and what their home environment is like.

What happens in a physiotherapy session?

The physiotherapist will look to see how the person who has had a stroke moves and what difficulties they are having. Often carers will be present during sessions and they may, if they would like , become involved in some aspects of the treatment.

Treatment will be individually tailored depending on what the goals are. The physiotherapist will generally move and activate the patient's limbs and then work on the trunk and pelvis to provide stability for the body in balancing. This may take place in different sitting positions, as well as through standing and walking if applicable.

The physiotherapist may also work on posture, breathing control and relaxation.

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