What We See at Rehabana: When Rehab Starts Matters
Starting Within Days of Hospital Discharge
We have seen some patients start rehabilitation just 3–4 days after being discharged from hospital following a stroke. Our team — a PM&R doctor, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, speech therapist and psychologist — works together to plan and provide treatment according to each patient's needs.
We have seen encouraging improvements in these patients. Many have gradually regained the ability to perform daily activities, such as walking and managing everyday tasks, either independently or with assistive devices within about one month. Some have also kept normal sensation or had only minimal sensory loss.
Starting 2–3 Months After a Stroke
Some patients start rehabilitation 2–3 months after a stroke with significant difficulties, such as loss of hand function, poor body control while sitting or standing, and severe weakness that makes walking difficult. In these cases, regaining lost movement and improving daily activities may take more time and effort. Recovery is still possible, but progress may be slower and needs a structured programme, regular practice and continuous guidance from the rehabilitation team.
Starting 6 Months to 1 Year After a Stroke
We also see patients who start rehabilitation 6 months to 1 year after a stroke. By this time, many have developed severe stiffness in the affected hand and leg. Some find it difficult to stand or walk properly and may drag the affected leg. They may also have joint instability and a higher risk of falling. Improvement is often very slow and takes more time and effort, and some patients show very limited improvement despite regular rehabilitation, depending on the severity of the stroke and the extent of brain damage.
For a step-by-step view of the early weeks, read our stroke rehab guide to the first 90 days.
Why Does Stroke Rehabilitation Take Different Amounts of Time?
Every stroke affects the brain differently, so two people who have had a stroke may have very different recovery journeys. The rehabilitation period depends on several factors:
- Severity of the stroke: A patient with mild weakness may regain functional abilities sooner than someone with severe weakness or paralysis.
- Area of the brain affected: Different parts of the brain control movement, balance, speech, memory and other functions, so the affected area shapes the patient's difficulties.
- Age and general health: Overall health, other medical conditions and physical fitness influence recovery.
- Level of functional difficulty: A patient who can sit independently but cannot walk has different needs from someone who cannot sit without support.
- Timing and dose of rehabilitation: Starting rehabilitation once the patient is medically stable — often from around 48 hours after a stroke — and continuing it consistently supports recovery. In our experience, around 1.5 to 3 hours of rehabilitation a day in the first four weeks, as the patient can tolerate, helps recovery.
Avoiding common pitfalls matters too — see stroke recovery mistakes to avoid.
Does Stroke Recovery Stop After 6 Months?
No. Stroke recovery can continue beyond six months, so rehabilitation does not have to stop at that point. At Rehabana, we use neuroplasticity-based rehabilitation techniques and task-specific activities that encourage patients to use the affected hand and leg in everyday tasks, helping them regain confidence and motivation. The potential for improvement may remain even in the chronic stage, although the amount varies from patient to patient.
Case Example: Starting Rehab 1.5 Years After a Stroke
A 56-year-old man had a haemorrhagic stroke and underwent decompressive craniectomy. About 1.5 years later, he started rehabilitation at Rehabana on 23 April 2026 and continued until 1 October 2026.
- Initial assessment: His Trunk Control Test (TCT) score was 0/25 — he was unable to sit without assistance.
- Latest assessment: His TCT score improved to 12/25. He can now maintain a sitting position using his arms for support, although his sitting posture is still abnormal.
Improvement is still possible more than six months after a stroke. However, it may be slower than for patients who start early, and it depends on the severity of the stroke, the extent of brain damage and the patient's overall condition.
How Does Rehabana Decide How Long a Patient Needs Rehabilitation?
Because every recovery journey is different, the duration of rehabilitation varies. We use standard assessment scales to understand current abilities, identify areas that need work and track progress over time. These assessments also show whether the plan needs to change. For patients who need intensive, closely supervised therapy, inpatient rehabilitation is also available.
1. Initial Assessment
After the first consultation, our PM&R (Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation) doctor evaluates the patient's clinical condition and functional limitations and develops an initial rehabilitation protocol.
2. Individualised Rehabilitation Planning
The physiotherapist and occupational therapist discuss the plan with the PM&R doctor to set coordinated, achievable goals.
3. Regular Functional Assessments
We use appropriate tools to measure improvement and identify areas that need further attention. These may include:
- Berg Balance Scale (BBS): Assesses balance and identifies difficulties that may increase fall risk.
- Timed Up and Go (TUG): Assesses functional mobility, balance and walking ability.
- Fugl-Meyer Assessment: Assesses recovery of movement, including hand function.
- Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS): Assesses tightness (spasticity) of affected muscles.
- Manual Muscle Testing (MMT): Assesses muscle strength.
- Functional Independence Measure (FIM): Shows how much assistance the patient needs for daily activities.
4. Periodic Progress Review
We compare assessment scores and functional abilities over time to see whether the patient is improving, maintaining their abilities or needs changes to the plan.
Every Stroke Recovery Journey Is Different
The effects of a stroke vary from person to person. Some patients have only physical problems, such as weakness or difficulty walking and using their hands. Others have a combination of physical difficulties, memory or thinking problems, swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) or trouble speaking. Because every patient has different challenges, their treatment plan, recovery time and progress also vary.
Case Example: Starting Rehab 4–5 Days After Discharge
A 37-year-old man with an ischaemic stroke started rehabilitation 4–5 days after hospital discharge. Over 30 days of documented rehabilitation between 3 September and 20 October 2026, he showed improvements in motor recovery, sensation, balance, mobility and daily functioning:
