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.

Exercise physiologist smiling assisting a client who is a stroke survivor who is using parallel bars at the Thrive Health Therapies clinic in Findon, Adelaide

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.

Exercise physiologist working with client on balance during home visit

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


How We Deliver Stroke Exercise Physiology

Thrive Health Therapies offers a variety of delivery methods throughout metropolitan Adelaide to suit your needs:

  • Community-Based Services: We bring stroke exercise physiology to your home, providing personalised care in a familiar and convenient setting.

  • Clinic-based Services: We provide clinic-based services in our specialised clinic 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.

  • Telehealth Services: We also offer comprehensive telehealth services, providing clients with convenient, video-based therapy consultations for those who may have difficulty travelling to our clinic or prefer the convenience of remote support.

Client smiling lifting a dumbell during a neuro exercise physiology home visit in Adelaide

Funding Options for Stroke Physiotherapy

We accept a variety of funding options, making stroke rehabilitation accessible for everyone:

Client smiling whilst using a therapy band at home during a physiotherapy home visit

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

  • As soon as your medical team approves physical activity. Early intervention helps prevent complications and speeds up recovery.

  • Yes! We offer mobile services across Adelaide and tailor your program to your home environment.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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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