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Getting Active After Stroke Guide

The document provides information about getting active after a stroke. It discusses how being more active can boost recovery and confidence after a stroke. It recommends starting slowly, finding enjoyable activities, and setting realistic goals to build up activity levels over time. Support from friends, family, groups, and therapists can help people stay motivated to be more active.

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Bexley 11 Plus
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
25 views40 pages

Getting Active After Stroke Guide

The document provides information about getting active after a stroke. It discusses how being more active can boost recovery and confidence after a stroke. It recommends starting slowly, finding enjoyable activities, and setting realistic goals to build up activity levels over time. Support from friends, family, groups, and therapists can help people stay motivated to be more active.

Uploaded by

Bexley 11 Plus
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Getting active after a stroke

Getting active
after a stroke

stroke.org.uk 1
Why move more?
After a stroke, starting to be more active can be a
massive boost to your recovery and your confidence.

Almost anyone can find a way to add movement into


their daily life. You can be active in your home, and you
don’t need to do sports or join a gym.

Being more active can:

• Help you to stay healthy and feel good.


• Reduce the chance of another stroke.
• Improve your balance and muscle strength.
• Reduce fatigue and lessen pain.
• Improve your mood.
• Build up stamina.

If you’re not sure which activities are safe


for you because of a disability or a health
condition, ask your GP or therapist for advice.
Physiotherapists and occupational therapists
can help you work out new ways of doing
things.

Whether your stroke was recent or many years ago,


moving more can make a difference to your wellbeing.

2 Call the Stroke Helpline on 0303 3033 100


Getting active after a stroke

stroke.org.uk 3
Find what works for you
It’s different for everyone. The impact of your stroke is
unique to you, and you will have your own reasons for
wanting to get active. You’ll set your own goals and find
your own motivation.

If you have difficulty walking, getting moving might be


one of your main goals after a stroke. You might want to
start doing more things independently, like shopping or
travelling.

Some effects of stroke could make it harder to be


active, like balance problems, shoulder pain, bladder
problems or fatigue. But with support, you can find out
what you can do. You’ll find things you enjoy. Whatever
your individual abilities are, you can try increasing your
current level of activity. Even a small amount extra will
make a difference.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) and staying active


If you are more vulnerable to Covid-19 due to
a health condition, you might want to check
how an indoor fitness class or leisure centre
stays Covid safe. Many fitness classes are
offered online.

Try our online movement videos that you can


tailor to your own level of fitness and mobility
at mystrokeguide.com/fitness-videos.

4 Call the Stroke Helpline on 0303 3033 100


Getting active after a stroke

stroke.org.uk 5
How to get started
– and keep going!
Start slowly and build up
Start slowly. Take it one step at a time, and don’t do
too much too soon. Plan in some time to rest between
activities, or at certain times of day. If you have fatigue,
rest is especially important. Set yourself an achievable
goal. If you reach your goals, you’re more likely to feel
successful and keep going. See ‘Setting your movement
goals’ later in this guide.

Find something you enjoy


If you can find something you enjoy doing, it makes it so
much easier to keep going.

Try different things, until you find something you love.

“ I hate swimming, but love the gym; I find


running dull (especially treadmills) but
enjoy cycling.”
Rich, stroke survivor

6 Call the Stroke Helpline on 0303 3033 100


Getting active after a stroke

Plan it in your day


If you’re planning an activity, put it in your diary.
That way it’s already on your mind, and you’re
much more likely to do it. Why not tell someone
what you are going to do, so they can ask you
about it later? It might help you stick to your
plan if you know someone is interested in what
you are doing.

“ I work well with an activity on a set date


and time.”
Mike, stroke survivor

Do it with other people


Many people tell us that sharing their activity
goals with other people can really help.

If you can find someone with similar goals, you can


help and encourage each other stay motivated and
celebrate your successes together. Some people say
they enjoy doing things with people of a similar ability or
level of fitness, as it makes them feel more motivated to
keep going.

“ Going along to the group, I have met a lot


of lovely people and have made some
lovely friends.”
Sandra, stroke survivor

stroke.org.uk 7
8 Call the Stroke Helpline on 0303 3033 100
Getting active after a stroke

Ways to share your activity goals


Tell friends and family you’re planning to be
more active. Ask them to encourage you by
asking how you did each day or each week.
They could help you record your activities on
paper or using an app. They could do some
activities with you such as chair-based exercises
in the home, or going for a walk or run together.

Find support online. The Stroke Association’s My Stroke


Guide has online chat rooms where people share advice
and stories.

Join a group, such as a post-stroke movement group


offered by the Stroke Association in some areas of the
UK. There may be post-stroke or cardiac rehabilitation
classes available at local hospitals, and exercise on
prescription from your GP.

Ways of finding support

• Meeting other people who have had a stroke. You


can share stories and tips, or do activities together.
You might be able to meet others at a stroke club or
group, or online.
• Joining local group activities such as group walks,
exercise classes or a sport club such as golf or
badminton.
• Friends and family can join in with activities, or
encourage you to reach your goals. Ask your
therapist or GP what support is available.

stroke.org.uk 9
If you stop, have another go!
Don’t be put off if you can’t keep going with an activity.
You might run out of steam or need a change. You might
just need to try a few different things before you find
what suits you. See if you can find a way round any
practical problems such as transport problems.

Sometimes a chat with a friend or therapist


can help you find solutions. If you’ve lost
motivation, just going back to an activity once
can remind you how much you enjoy it and give
you the boost you need.

“ ...you may have to try a few things before


you find your level, but it’s important to stay
committed to finding something.”
Rich, stroke survivor

10 Call the Stroke Helpline on 0303 3033 100


Getting active after a stroke

Setting your
movement goals
Set yourself realistic goals.
Make it specific and achievable. Rather than
‘I want to get back to normal’ you could choose
‘I want to weed the garden’. Your goal should
suit what you can do, and what you enjoy.

“ ...doing functional things every day is as


good as going to a gym.”
Paul, stroke survivor.

Set a date to reach your goal.


Make the goal something you can achieve in a
few days or weeks. If it’s too difficult, or too far
off in the future, it’s hard to stay motivated.

stroke.org.uk 11
12 Call the Stroke Helpline on 0303 3033 100
Getting active after a stroke

Break it down into small steps.


Think about the small steps you need to take to
reach your goal. You could plan to do one step
each day. Your first step could be to get to your
back door. Another step could be practising
using garden tools. Another step could be
walking around the garden.

Challenge yourself, but keep things achievable.


Taking those smaller steps will help you reach
your overall goal in the end.

Record your progress and celebrate


your success.
Keep a note of the things you do, and when
you reach a goal, celebrate! You can get friends
and family involved in doing the steps towards
each goal. They can talk with you about your
activities, and join in with celebrating your
successes.

You can use a notebook or diary to record what


you do. You could also use an activity tracker
or fitness app. And try the goal planner on our
free online tool, mystrokeguide.com.

stroke.org.uk 13
Moving more
at home
These are some ideas for movements to try at home.

Remember: Every stroke is different, so you might not


be able to do all of these movements. Only do activities
that are safe for you. If you’re not sure, ask your therapist
or GP for advice.
Lying down with your knees bent, keep your Lying down, bend and straighten your legs Che
feet and knees together and roll your knees Oninafront
bedof you along the bed.
slowly from side to side

• Lying down with your


knees bent, keep your
feet and knees together
and roll your knees
your Lying down, bend and straighten your legs
slowly from side to side.
Chest stretch
ees in front of you along the bed.

Face the wall, and take a small step back.


Put your hands flat against the wall at shoulder
height, fingers pointing up. Bend your elbows March your feet. You can do this while Seated gardenin
and lean towards the wall, keeping your body
• Lying down, bend and
watching TV or reading. making a hangin
straight and feet flat on the ground. straighten your legs in
Push back gently to standing.
front of you along the
bed.

k.
houlder
lbows March your feet. You can do this while Seated gardening activities like planting a seed tray,
r body watching TV or reading. making a hanging basket or weeding a raised bed.

14 Call the Stroke Helpline on 0303 3033 100


Ankle stretch Sit-to-stand
ghten your legs Chest stretch
d.
Getting active after a stroke
small step back.
st the wall at shoulder
p. Bend your elbows March your feet. You can do this while Seated gardening activities like planting a seed tray,
l, keeping your body watching TV or reading. making a hanging basket or weeding a raised bed.
he ground. In a chair
ding. Lying down with your knees bent, keep your Lying down, bend and straighten your legs
Push back gently to standing.
straight and feet flat on the ground.
and lean towards the wall, keeping your body
height, fingers pointing up. Bend your elbows
Put your hands flat against the wall at shoulder
Face the wall, and take a small step back.

slowly from side to side


feet and knees together and roll your knees
Lying down with your knees bent, keep your
mall step back. feet and knees together and roll your knees in front of you along the bed.
he wall at shoulder slowly from side to side
Bend your elbows March your feet. You can do this while
March
• Seated your
gardening feet.
activities You can
like planting a seed tray,
keeping your body watching TV or reading. making a hanging basket
do this while watching or weeding a raised bed.
ground.
g. TV or reading.

do this while Seated gardening activities like planting a seed tray,


making a hanging basket or weeding a raised bed.

• Seated gardening
Face the wall, and take a small step back.
Sit-to-stand
activities like planting
Standing marching on
Put your hands flat against the wall at shoulder
height, fingers pointing up. Bend your elbows aMarch
seed yourtray,
the spot making
feet. You can do this while Seate
makin
and lean towards the wall, keeping your body
awatching TV or reading.
in front of you along the bed.
Lying down, bend and straighten your legs

hanging basket or
watching TV or reading.
March your feet. You can do this while

straight and feet flat on the ground.


Push back gently to standing. weeding a raised bed.
Sit-to-stand Standing marching on
the spot

• Sit to stand: start


Standing marching on looking straight ahead
the spot
with feet slightly apart.
Stand up slowly, then sit
down slowly. Why not
do it in a break between
making a hanging basket or weeding a raised bed.
Seated gardening activities like planting a seed tray,

Ankle stretch Sit-to-stand


TV programmes?
Chest stretch

• Single leg lift: lift one


leg, keeping it straight.
Lower it slowly. Repeat
with the other leg.

stroke.org.uk 15
Lying down with your knees bent, keep your Lying down, bend and straighten your legs Sittin
feet and knees together and roll your knees in front of you along the bed. to op
Standing marching on Standing
slowly from side to side
the spot

• Marching on the spot.

• Knee lift: with a bent


leg, raise the knee up
in front of you. Lower it
slowly. Repeat on the
other leg. Stand next to
Face the wall, and take a small step back.
a chair and hold on to it
March your feet. You can do this while Seate
Put your hands flat against the wall at shoulder forwatching
balance if you need
TV or reading. makin
height, fingers pointing up. Bend your elbows
and lean towards the wall, keeping your body to. You can also do this
straight and feet flat on the ground. while seated.
Push back gently to standing.

• Wall ‘press-up’: face


the wall and take a
small step back. Put
your hands flat against
the wall at shoulder
height, fingers pointing
up. Bend your elbows
and lean towards the
wall, keeping your body
straight and feet flat on
the ground. Push back to
standing.

16 Call the Stroke Helpline on 0303 3033 100


Getting active after a stroke

17
Being active in
daily life
You don’t have to go to a gym: you can find some great
ways to be active in everyday life. These activities aim to
make your heart beat faster and make you feel warmer.
If you do something more energetic or for longer you
might feel a little out of breath but still be able to speak.

Tip: you don’t have to carry on for a long time.


A short burst of activity several times a day
can have the same benefit as a longer session.
This could mean two minutes, five minutes
or 10 minutes at a time – have a go, and see
what’s right for you.

“ ...when I exercise, I do have more energy.”

Mike, stroke survivor

Tip: if you want to push yourself a bit more, try


to fit an extra activity into your day. Or you can
do an activity for longer, or speed up and do it
more quickly.

18 Call the Stroke Helpline on 0303 3033 100


Getting active after a stroke

• Time yourself doing the vacuuming, and then beat


your time another day. Put some music on while
you’re dusting to get you moving around the room.
• Gardening tasks like weeding, digging and planting
can build strength, and improve skills using hands
and fingers.
• Walking is a great way to get moving. You can walk
in your home, or outdoors. Build up the distance at
your own pace and it’s something you can do with a
friend or a dog. You can add walking into your day
by getting off the bus early, or walking to the shops
instead of driving. The NHS ‘Active 10’ app tracks all
your walking on your phone, and helps you set goals.
Visit nhs.uk/better-health/get-active.
• Climbing up stairs is a great way of getting your heart
working, as well as strengthening muscles. When you
are out, try taking the stairs instead of a lift. Go up
and down stairs in your home a few times, or do step-
ups on the bottom step.
• You can use a resistance band for developing
strength in arms and legs. Ask a fitness instructor or
physiotherapist for exercises you can do, or look on
YouTube for videos.

Tip: use a fitness tracker on a watch or phone.


They can measure the steps you take as well as
heart rate and sleep.

“ I was already mobile, albeit using a


walking frame, and decided to walk
further and longer.”
James, stroke survivor

stroke.org.uk 19
Getting started
with exercise
If you feel ready, you could look for some more
structured exercise such as a workout, run or a group
activity. Look for something that suits you. It could be
something you do by yourself, or in a group.

You can do things like walking, running swimming or


cycling by yourself or with someone else. Wheelchair
users can take part in seated workouts, and look for
adapted activities and sports. Gyms should be accessible
to disabled people, and some offer adapted equipment.
You can use a swimming pool to help build strength and
stamina by doing squats and walking through the water.

Even if you prefer to exercise alone you might enjoy


having some support and encouragement from family
and friends. To get some support, you could post your
progress on social media, or a friend can help you keep
records of your exercise. The NHS ‘Couch to 5K’ app
records your runs and lets you join an online community.

Tip: drink plenty of fluids a few hours before


you start exercising to make sure you’re well
hydrated when you start, and take something to
drink afterwards.

20 Call the Stroke Helpline on 0303 3033 100


Getting active after a stroke

stroke.org.uk 21
Specialist rehabilitation groups
In some parts of the UK you can join a group for stroke
survivors. The Stroke Association runs activity and
fitness groups, and some health authorities provide
groups for people with heart attacks, stroke or
neurological problems. Ask your GP or stroke team if
there is a local group you can join.

Dance and exercise groups


Look for a group activity that’s right for you. Activities
like aqua aerobics, Zumba, tai chi, circuit training, yoga
and pilates all offer something different. You can choose
something energetic that gets your heart working or
you can focus on flexibility and strength. Some groups
use music, some go at a slower pace and some have a
social side. And having to attend a class at a set time can
motivate you to exercise.

If you want to join a group but you are not sure if you
can complete a whole session, speak to the teacher in
advance. They should be able to suggest ways to adjust
the class to suit you, such as having some extra breaks
to avoid fatigue. They might be able to adapt parts of the
activity or give you alternatives.

Social activity groups


There are other leisure activities you can do in a group
such as environmental work, walking or cycling. The
Stroke Association has information about accessible
leisure activities, and you can go online to look for local
groups or organisations.

22 Call the Stroke Helpline on 0303 3033 100


Getting active after a stroke

Getting back into sport


If you were very active or sporty before your stroke, you
might want to get back to your old fitness levels as well
as finding the same enjoyment from doing what you
love. You may need to return slowly, to regain fitness
and avoid injury after a break.

If you find that you can’t go back to your usual activity,


you might be able to carry on with sport in a new way.
Think about what you love about your sport. Is it being in
a team? Is it about challenging yourself? Is it a sense of
speed or danger, or enjoying moving to music?

Look around at other activities that might offer the


same things. Some sports have inclusive versions such
as walking football, sailing, rugby and tandem cycling.
You might be able to access sport with some help or
equipment, such as running as part of a relay team, or
with a sighted friend if you have sight loss.

Ask an occupational therapist or physiotherapist


for advice on adapting equipment and finding
new ways of doing things.

“ I have got stronger, found a sport I enjoy


playing. It has given me my life back.”
Marta, stroke survivor

stroke.org.uk 23
24 Call the Stroke Helpline on 0303 3033 100
Getting active after a stroke

What being active


can do for you
Staying healthy
Being active can help you stay healthy and
feel good, and it can also reduce your risk of
another stroke. Being active can:
• Lower your blood pressure.
• Help you manage diabetes.
• Reduce cholesterol.
• Strengthen your heart and improve your
circulation.
• Reduce the risk of a blood clot.
• Help with weight loss.

Fatigue
Being active can help with fatigue. You might
need to plan in some extra rest time, but
moving more can improve your energy levels,
and help you sleep better. It can improve your
fitness and muscle strength, which may also
make you feel less tired. For more information
visit stroke.org.uk/fatigue.

stroke.org.uk 25
26 Call the Stroke Helpline on 0303 3033 100
Getting active after a stroke

Independence and recovery


You can gain more independence through
being active, because you are moving and using
the parts of your body in a new way. You can
practise walking, lifting things and using your
hands. Repetition helps you get stronger and
re-learn skills for essential tasks like dressing,
cooking and travelling.

Wellbeing and confidence


Moving your body helps your emotional
wellbeing. Doing even a small amount more
exercise can help reduce feelings of anxiety and
stress. It can also help build your confidence
about yourself if you start to feel good about
reaching your goals, trying new things and
meeting new people.

Pain
Staying active and mobile can help with long-
term pain by reducing muscle stiffness and
improving wellbeing. Choose an activity that is
safe for you – you may need to check with your
physiotherapist or GP to make sure. Try smaller
movements in a pain-free range, and rest if you
need to. It’s common to get sore muscles when
you start off with a new exercise, but if it’s a
sharp pain or you are worried, stop and check
with your fitness instructor, a GP or therapist.

stroke.org.uk 27
28 Call the Stroke Helpline on 0303 3033 100
Getting active after a stroke

How can I be
active if I have...
Practical tips for dealing with some of the effects of a
stroke if you want to be more active.

Emotional effects
Being active is known to be great for emotional
wellbeing. But if you’re experiencing anxiety
or low mood, it can be hard to get started with
something new. So have a look at our tips
for getting motivated in this guide. If you’re
struggling with low mood or anxiety, ask your
GP for help. For more information visit
stroke.org.uk/emotional-changes.

Vision problems
If your eyes are very sensitive to light, wear
sunglasses or a baseball cap to shade your eyes.
If you have low vision or perceptual problems,
good indoor lighting and a tidy, uncluttered
space can help. If you are in a group activity, the
instructor can support you by giving extra verbal
descriptions and pointing out obstacles. They
can provide some equipment like balls or bats
in bright colours. You could do outdoor activities
like walking or running alongside a friend.
For more information visit
stroke.org.uk/vision-problems.

stroke.org.uk 29
Continence problems
If you are worried about leaking urine (wee) or
faeces (poo) while you’re moving around, there
are some practical things you can do.

Some kinds of exercise are more likely to cause


leaks, such as high impact sports like netball
and running. This can happen even for people
who don’t normally have incontinence. Lower-
impact activities that might avoid leaks include
walking, chair-based exercises, swimming and
cycling.

You can still do your fitness activity, but go


prepared. Use pads if you need to. Take a
change of clothes, and washing kit. You could
wear dark clothes to hide small leaks.

Drink water regularly to stay hydrated, which


can help reduce urgency. Use the toilet just
before you start.

Pelvic floor muscle exercises can help reduce


leaks. They work for men as well as women.
You need to do them regularly to build up
muscle strength.

Get some more help and advice: your


pharmacist can advise on products you can use.
A GP can give advice or refer you to a specialist
nurse. For more information visit
stroke.org.uk/continence-problems.

30 Call the Stroke Helpline on 0303 3033 100


Getting active after a stroke

Weakness down one side and spasticity


A stroke can cause weakness or paralysis in
arms and legs. It can also lead to very stiff
muscles, or spasticity. You can still be active,
but do things at your own pace, using smaller
movements you can manage. Relax or stretch
if you need to. Using your unaffected side too
much can sometimes lead to problems with the
affected side. So get advice from a therapist if
you need to.

Balance problems
You can still be active even if your balance
is a problem. A therapist or trained exercise
coach should be able to give you advice on safe
movements and how to improve your balance.
You can do activities on a chair or a mat, or
use machines if you go to a gym. If you are
standing, hold onto a chair back or lean against
a wall. Ask your GP to refer you for advice if you
need some help with balance problems.

Fatigue
You might feel too tired to be active, but regular
exercise can actually help give you more energy
and better sleep. Try a few different activities,
and find out what you enjoy and what works
for you. Start slowly, and build up over time, to
avoid making the fatigue worse. Overall energy
levels should improve, but you might need to
build in time for some extra rests during and
after activities.

stroke.org.uk 31
32 Call the Stroke Helpline on 0303 3033 100
Getting active after a stroke

I’m worried that...


Some of the common concerns and fears people have
about becoming more active.

I might have another stroke


Sometimes people worry that being active could
cause another stroke. But the opposite is true. Moving
and being active is a great way to stay healthy and
avoid another stroke. So unless your doctor tells you
otherwise, moving and being active is safe, and it could
make all the difference to your health and wellbeing.

I might get injured


As long as you do things that you are capable of, you
can move and be more active. Don’t avoid being active
because you’re worried. If you have any health problems
such as atrial fibrillation or diabetes, it’s a good idea to
speak to your GP before starting to become more active.

If you are not sure what you can do, look for some advice
from a professional like a therapist or trained exercise
coach. An occupational therapist can help you find new
ways of doing things.

stroke.org.uk 33
My blood pressure will go up
If you have high blood pressure, physical activity can
help to reduce it over time. When you do something
that makes your heart beat faster, such as running, your
blood pressure goes up, but goes back down when you
rest. By exercising regularly, you actually make the heart
stronger and more efficient. Over time your resting
blood pressure can go down to a healthier level.

However, if you have very high blood pressure


you should speak to your doctor before
starting to be more active, to make sure it’s
safe for you. Ask your pharmacist if your
medication could affect you during exercise.

I have several health problems


If you have a number of health problems together
like diabetes and a heart condition, and you’re not sure
what level of activity you can do, speak to your GP or
stroke nurse.

34 Call the Stroke Helpline on 0303 3033 100


Getting active after a stroke

stroke.org.uk 35
Where to get help
and information
From the Stroke Association
Helpline
Our Helpline offers information and support for anyone
affected by TIA and stroke. This includes friends and
carers.

Call us on 0303 3033 100, from a textphone


18001 0303 3033 100 or email helpline@stroke.org.uk.

Read our information


Get more information about stroke online at
stroke.org.uk, or call the Helpline to ask for printed
copies of our guides.

My Stroke Guide
The Stroke Association’s online tool My Stroke Guide
gives you free access to trusted advice, information
and support 24/7. My Stroke Guide connects you to our
online community, to find out how others manage their
recovery.

Log on to mystrokeguide.com today.

36 Call the Stroke Helpline on 0303 3033 100


Getting active after a stroke

Other sources of help and


information

Getting started with movement and activity

Love activity, hate exercise


Website: csp.org.uk/activity
Great ideas for moving, being active and having fun.

This Girl can


Website: thisgirlcan.co.uk
How you can feel more confident about your body by
moving and being active. The advice is for anyone of
any gender.

Walking
Ramblers Association (England, Scotland, Wales).
Online resources about walking outdoors with a
health condition or disability ramblers.org.uk/advice/
walking-with-a-disability-or-health-issue
Tel: 020 3961 3300

Walking for Health (England)


Website: walkingforhealth.org.uk
Free weekly walks guided by trained volunteers. Visit the
website to find a walk near you.

We are undefeatable
Website: weareundefeatable.co.uk
Inspiring stories and practical resources to help you
be more active when you have a health condition or
disability.

stroke.org.uk 37
Inclusive sports and activities

Disability Sports NI
Website: dsni.co.uk
Tel: 028 9046 9925 (Belfast office)

Disability Sport Wales


Website: disabilitysportwales.com
Tel: 0300 300 3115

Parasport activity finder


Website: parasport.org.uk/
Look for inclusive sports and activities near you.

Scottish Disability Sport


Website: scottishdisabilitysport.com

Sportability (England)
Website: sportability.org.uk
Tel: 07305 047 533
Email: info@sportability.org.uk

38 Call the Stroke Helpline on 0303 3033 100


Getting active after a stroke

About our information


We want to provide the best information for people
affected by stroke. That’s why we ask stroke survivors
and their families, as well as medical experts, to help us
put our publications together.

How did we do?


To tell us what you think of this guide, or to
request a list of the sources we used to create it,
email us at feedback@stroke.org.uk.

Accessible formats
Visit our website if you need this information in
audio, large print or braille.

Always get individual advice


This guide contains general information about
stroke. But if you have a problem, you should
get individual advice from a professional such
as a GP or pharmacist. Our Helpline can also
help you find support. We work very hard
to give you the latest facts, but some things
change. We don’t control the information
provided by other organisations or websites.

stroke.org.uk 39
When stroke strikes, part of your brain shuts down.
And so does a part of you. Life changes instantly and
recovery is tough. But the brain can adapt. Our specialist
support, research and campaigning are only possible
with the courage and determination of the stroke
community. With more donations and support from you,
we can rebuild even more lives.

Donate or find out more at stroke.org.uk

Contact us
We’re here for you. Contact us for expert information
and support by phone, email and online.
Stroke Helpline: 0303 3033 100
From a textphone: 18001 0303 3033 100
Email: helpline@stroke.org.uk
Website: stroke.org.uk

Rebuilding lives after stroke

© Stroke Association 2022


Version 4. Published May 2022
JN 2223-327.14

To be reviewed: September 2024


Item code: A01R07
The Stroke Association is registered as a charity in England and Wales (No 211015) and in Scotland (SC037789).
Also registered in the Isle of Man (No. 945) and Jersey (No. 221), and operating as a charity in Northern Ireland.

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