Stroke Exercise Physiology Adelaide
At Thrive Health Therapies, we specialise in stroke exercise physiology, offering evidence-based rehabilitation programs tailored to each person’s recovery goals. Our Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEPs) provide safe, functional, and progressive exercise support to help individuals regain mobility, strength, and confidence after a stroke. Whether you prefer therapy at our fully accessible Findon clinic, in your home, or at a location convenient to you, we’re here to support you at every stage of recovery.
Understanding Stroke and Its Effects
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from receiving the oxygen and nutrients it needs. Without oxygen, brain cells can die, leading to varying levels of disability. Strokes are a leading cause of long-term disability and can significantly affect an individual’s physical and cognitive abilities.
Effects of a Stroke on Function
The consequences of a stroke depend on its severity and location in the brain. Common functional challenges include:
Motor Function: Weakness or paralysis, often affecting one side of the body (hemiparesis or hemiplegia), which can hinder movement and daily activities.
Balance and Coordination: Difficulty maintaining balance and coordination, increasing the risk of falls.
Speech and Swallowing: Challenges in speaking, understanding language, and swallowing.
Cognitive Abilities: Impairments in memory, attention, and problem-solving skills.
Emotional and Psychological Effects: Conditions such as depression, anxiety, and mood changes.
Every stroke survivor’s journey is unique - and our exercise physiologists tailor therapy to meet each client’s needs, abilities, and goals.
How a Exercise Physiology Can Help After a Stroke
Accredited Exercise Physiologists are qualified professionals who specialise in using movement and physical activity to support rehabilitation. After a stroke, they play a key role in helping individuals restore strength, function, and independence through structured and safe exercise interventions.
Rebuilding Strength and Mobility: Improve movement on the affected side and restore balance between limbs
Enhancing Balance and Coordination: Reduce fall risk and improve confidence when walking or standing
Fatigue and Endurance Training: Support energy conservation while increasing physical capacity
Gait Re-Education: Improve walking speed, step pattern, and posture
Postural Control and Alignment: Help restore safe and efficient body positioning during activity
Managing Spasticity and Stiffness: Exercise to reduce tightness and improve movement freedom
Improving Cardiovascular Health: Prevent secondary complications and improve overall wellbeing
Encouraging Neuroplasticity: Repetitive, functional tasks help retrain the brain and form new movement pathways
Stroke Rehabilitation at Thrive Health Therapies
We offer stroke exercise physiology services in Adelaide that are tailored to each person’s goals and functional level - whether you’re newly discharged from hospital or many years post-stroke.
Our Approach to Stroke Exercise Physiology
Comprehensive Assessment: We assess your movement, strength, endurance, and daily function
Goal-Oriented Planning: We help you set realistic and meaningful goals for your rehabilitation
Personalised Treatment: Programs are built around your current ability, needs, and home environment
Ongoing Support: Progress is continually reviewed, and your plan is adjusted accordingly
Stroke Exercise Physiology Techniques
Our exercise physiologists use a variety of evidence-based techniques to support stroke recovery, including:
Strength Training: To rebuild muscle and improve posture and movement
Balance and Functional Movement Training: To improve safety and confidence in daily activities
Gait and Walking Re-Training: Helping you walk more naturally and efficiently
Fatigue Management: Tailoring sessions to improve energy levels and avoid burnout
Stretching and Mobility Work: To reduce stiffness and improve flexibility
Cardiorespiratory Conditioning: To support heart health and recovery
Education and Self-Management: Empowering you with strategies to maintain progress at home
For further reading:
How We Deliver Stroke Exercise Physiology
We offer community-based, clinic-based and telehealth exercise physiology services to clients throughout Adelaide and the Adelaide Hills:
Community-Based Services: We provide community-based services in your home or at a location convenient to you across Adelaide. Learn more about our mobile exercise physiology services and our home visit exercise physiology services.
1:1 Clinic-Based Services: We provide clinic-based services in our specialised clinic and gym in Findon, which has been designed to be appropriate for a range of presentations and disabilities. Our fully accessible clinic and gym space has a range of specialised equipment, allowing individuals with significant physical disabilities the opportunity to work towards their goals.
Group classes: Our exercise physiologists also run small group classes at our clinic, focused on strength, balance, and conditioning - ideal for those with neurological or physical disabilities who want to build capacity in a supportive environment. Learn more about our exercise physiology group classes.
Telehealth Services: We also offer comprehensive telehealth services, providing clients in Adelaide with convenient, video-based therapy consultations for those who may have difficulty travelling to our clinic or prefer the convenience of remote support. Learn more about our teleheath services.
Funding Options for Stroke Exercise Physiology
We accept a variety of funding options, making stroke rehabilitation accessible for everyone:
Home Care Packages (HCP)
Private Health Insurance
Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plans (GP Team Care Arrangements)
Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA)
Why Choose Thrive Health Therapies for Stroke Exercise Physiology?
No wait time: We can start working with you straight away!
Experienced: Our exercise physiologists have years of experience working with a wide range of presentations.
Extensive Coverage in the community: We serve a large geographical area, providing exercise physiology across all of metropolitan Adelaide from Gawler to Aldinga. We see clients at home, or at a location convenient to them. Learn more about our service areas.
Clinic space: Our fully accessible clinic in Findon has been specially designed to be appropriate for a wide range of neurological presentations and disabilities.
Individualised care: Every client receives a personalised plan based on their unique needs and goals.
Neuroaffirming Practice: We provide compassionate and affirming services to support and empower neurodiverse individuals.
Multi-Disciplinary Approach: We offer a wide range of allied health services under one roof, allowing for a holistic approach to your health. Learn more about our team.
NDIS Provider: We provide services to National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants.
Funding Sources: We accept a variety of funding options, helping our clients access the support they need.
LGBTQIA+ Friendly: We celebrate, value and include people of all backgrounds, genders, and sexualities, Our Findon clinic is a welcoming, safe and inclusive space for all LGBTQIA+ people.
FAQs About Stroke Exercise Physiology in Adelaide
If you can’t find an answer to your question, please contact our friendly team on 0474 248 081 or email enquiries@thrivehealththerapies.com
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As soon as your medical team approves physical activity. Early intervention helps prevent complications and speeds up recovery.
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Yes! We offer mobile services across Adelaide and tailor your program to your home environment.
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No! We can start working with new clients right away.
Once we have received a referral form with all of your details, we are able to book an Initial Assessment as soon as possible, depending on your availability.
You can find our referral forms here.
If you have any questions prior to referring or would like to book directly with our team, please reach out to us on 0474 248 081, via our online enquiry form or at or at enquiries@thrivehealththerapies.com.
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If you are funded through Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) or Chronic Disease Management (CDM) we need the appropriate referral documentation from your GP.
For all other funding sources you can refer yourself or your loved one directly via our online referral form, or reach out to us on 0474 248 081, via our online enquiry form or at enquiries@thrivehealththerapies.com.
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Referring is easy! You can find our referral forms here.
If you have any questions prior to referring please reach out to us on 0474 248 081, via our online enquiry form or at enquiries@thrivehealththerapies.com.
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We accept referrals from a wide range of funding sources, including the NDIS, home care packages, Department of Veterans Affairs, Chronic Disease Management (previously known as EPC) and private clients. Learn more about our accepted funding sources.
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Prices vary between services. Our therapists work with you to ensure you get the best program of services within your budget allocation.
Please contact us for a personalised quote.
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Referral Form
Fill out our easy online referral form and we’ll be in touch!
