Australian stroke survivors face significant barriers to rehabilitation, particularly more than six months after stroke, when access to therapy sharply declines. An awareness of the available options allows for bespoke treatment plans that leverage access to multiple schemes to better meet the rehabilitation needs of stroke survivors, and physiotherapists can play a key role in bridging service gaps.

Dr Tamina Levy, Matt Wingfield, Alex Ho, Neha Awasthi and Charlie Espernberger of the APA Neurology and Gerontology national groups present five discussion points about the role of physiotherapy in rehabilitation after stroke, including falls and secondary stroke prevention and the management of ongoing deficits.

The Physiotherapy Research Foundation (PRF) has highlighted key messages from the 5 facts article featured in the August edition of InMotion and produced this infographic. Click on the image below to access a printable A3 file.

About the Authors:

Tamina Levy is an Advanced Practitioner Neurological Physiotherapist, Flinders Medical Centre and a Senior Lecturer, Flinders University. In her PhD Tamina explored exercise adherence in survivors of stroke, and she continues to develop resources to support this. She is a member of the Clinical Council of the Stroke Foundation.

Matt Wingfield is a Senior Physiotherapist in neurological rehabilitation at Epworth Healthcare, and a Lecturer in Physiotherapy at the University of Melbourne. He is a past chair of the Victorian APA Neurology Group. He is a PhD candidate with the University of Melbourne exploring motor recovery of the upper limb.

Yinn Ting (Alex) Ho MACP is an APA Titled Gerontological Physiotherapist and the regional manager at United Physiotherapy Group. Alex has a keen interest in assisting older adults in reaching their potential and maximising their quality of life. He current serves as the vice chair of the APA Gerontology Group (VIC).

Neha Awasthi is Clinical Supervisor (Residential and Homecare) at Vivir Healthcare and an experienced allied health professional with strong focus on aged care and community-based Rehabilitation. She is a committee member for Australian Physiotherapy association’s Gerontological committee in Victoria. 

Charlie (Karl) Espernberger (he/him, APAM) is a senior physiotherapist at Donvale Rehabilitation Hospital, Neurological and NDIS team lead, and PhD candidate. Charlie has a broad neurological interest, with his research focusing on physical activity in stroke survivors. 

This infographic is a Physiotherapy Research Foundation (PRF) initiative supported by FlexEze – partner of the PRF.