Stroke Supportive Therapy: A Comprehensive Guide to Long-Term Recovery

A stroke can turn life upside down in an instant—not just for the person who experiences it but for their loved ones too. If you’re a stroke survivor or caregiver, you know how challenging the road to recovery can feel. Every small step forward can seem like a big victory, but it can also feel overwhelming at times.

When someone has a stroke, part of their brain doesn’t get the oxygen it needs, and this can cause changes in movement, speech, or even thinking. Recovery takes time, patience, and the right kind of help. 

That’s where stroke supportive therapy comes in.

We created this comprehensive guide by speaking directly with stroke specialist therapists and researching the most up-to-date information on stroke recovery.  

Together, we’ll explore:

• What stroke supportive therapy is
• The experts who help with recovery
• Tips to use technology for at-home therapy
• And much more to help make your journey easier

Let’s dive in and take it step by step. 

What Is Stroke Supportive Therapy?

Stroke supportive therapy is a holistic approach to stroke recovery.  It involves a team of experts, including physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech-language therapists. 

It places the stroke survivor at the center of their stroke recovery journey.

It takes place at the same time as the medical care for your stroke.  Medical treatment depends on whether the stroke was  blockage (ischemic) or a bleed (hemorrhagic),  how much time has passed since symptoms started, and whether you have other medical conditions. [1]

Beyond traditional therapy, there are other things that can help. These include special exercises and tools that use the brain’s ability to rewire itself (Neuroplasticity). Some examples include Soundsory and Forbrain, which use neurodevelopmental science to help the brain recover.

Stroke support therapy is different from at-home care, which mainly helps with daily tasks. Instead, it focuses on helping stroke survivors become more independent, improving their abilities and making life better overall. 

Why Stroke Supportive Therapy Matters for Long-Term Progress

Recovery from a stroke is a long-term process. Our nervous system changes and adapts based on the activities and signals we give it. This process is called neuroplasticity, and it’s the main idea behind stroke support therapy. We can help the nervous system recover by giving it positive and focused activities. 

Staying consistent and working hard can help stroke survivors improve their movement, thinking, and speech. 

In short: making their lives better.

What Are the Essential Components of Stroke Supportive Therapy?

1. Physical and Motor Rehabilitation

The focus here is to regain mobility, strength and coordination.

The main professions involved in physical and motor rehabilitation following a stroke are physical therapy and occupational therapy. These professionals often work closely together, and their different expertise complements each other when working towards a shared therapy goal.

Neurological physical therapists are trained to understand how the body moves and how a stroke can change things like muscle strength or flexibility. They create exercises to help rebuild weak muscles and stretches to loosen tight ones.

Physical therapists also work on improving balance and the way someone walks (Gait). If needed, they can recommend walking aids and give advice on posture to protect weak or affected limbs. Sometimes, they use special tools like electrical stimulators or other technology to help with recovery.

Stroke Specialist Occupational Therapist, Rhea Ermita, said this about her profession:

“I love working with my clients to help them work on what really matters most to them. We’re fantastic problem-solvers and have lots of ideas for equipment and adaptations that can make life easier for stroke survivors. I love working with physical therapists as we are great at solving problems together.”

Physical therapists and occupational therapists use the principle of neuroplasticity to tailor their approach to stroke supportive therapy.

Self-management is also a crucial part in stroke recovery as neuroplasticity is constantly evolving. It’s included in the stroke rehabilitation guidelines [2] and has strong evidence.

Physical therapists and occupational therapists will prescribe personalized self-management programmes that can be completed by the individuals themselves, sometimes with the support of their caregiver. They may also recommend the use of training aids and tools to support this.

Soundsory uses rhythmic music and movement programmes to stimulate sensory motor pathways. It can complement existing therapy programs to accelerate recovery and optimize rehabilitation.

2. Speech and Cognitive Rehabilitation

Speech and cognitive difficulties can have a significant effect on stroke survivors. With professional input both speech and cognition can improve after a stroke.

Speech therapists help stroke survivors communicate better. They work on improving how clearly someone speaks, as well as the loudness and smoothness of their speech. If finding the right words is hard, they teach strategies to make it easier. They can also help people use other ways to communicate, like pointing to charts or writing things down. 

Their goal is to make sure stroke survivors can express themselves and stay connected with others.

The Forbrain innovative system can enhance speech and cognitive function after a stroke [3] through auditory feedback.

Cognitive therapies help with thinking and memory problems that can happen after a stroke. These therapies are guided by occupational therapists and speech therapists, who work on skills like focusing, paying attention, and remembering things. Their goal is to help stroke survivors regain confidence in their everyday lives.

3. Psychological and Emotional Support

Depression and anxiety each affect around 1 in 3 people during the first year after a stroke [4]. A stroke doesn’t just affect the body—it can also impact emotions and mental health. 

Feeling anxious or depressed after a stroke is common, but these feelings can make recovery harder. They might affect sleep, memory, appetite, focus, and even physical energy. That’s why getting help from professionals who understand these challenges is so important. 

With the right support, it’s possible to feel better and keep moving forward.

Counseling and Support Groups for stroke survivors

You can seek support from stroke specialist psychologists and psychiatrists who will have insight into the psychological problems experienced after a stroke. Talking therapies such as counselling and cognitive behavioural therapy help to support you through the psychological impact of stroke.

Support groups for stroke survivors can offer a place to share your experiences with others in a similar position. The sense of community and ability to talk openly can be hugely beneficial.

The American Stroke Association has a fantastic online tool to help you find a group close to you [5].

Creative Therapies (Art/Music)

Creative therapies, like art and music therapy, can help stroke survivors feel calmer and more relaxed. These therapies provide a way to express emotions, which can be especially hard after a stroke. 

Creating art or listening to and making music can promote wellbeing and reduce anxiety, offering another path to healing.

Art therapy enables a person to express their views [6] through other means such as painting or sculpting.

The Soundsory device and program can be used alongside professional interventions. The rhythmic auditory stimulation promotes relaxation and stress reduction. Altogether helping with emotional stability and balance through an often-challenging time.

4. Caregiver Role in Stroke Supportive Therapy

Recovering from a stroke takes time, effort, and consistency. Caregivers play a vital role in supporting therapy and helping with daily recovery. Their guidance and encouragement are key to promoting neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to heal and adapt—and making the most of the recovery process.

Looking after someone who has had a stroke can be difficult, frustrating and lonely [7]. 

So, it’s important to ensure that caregivers access the support available to them too. 

Here are some key ways caregivers can help:

• They assist and encourage stroke survivors to use rehabilitation tools like Soundsory and Forbrain on their own. Caregivers help with practical tasks, such as setting up equipment and creating a good space for therapy. Supporting someone after a stroke can be challenging and stressful, but using helpful technology can make it easier.
• Caregivers play an important role in keeping stroke survivors focused on their recovery.
• They help schedule therapy appointments and often speak up for the stroke survivor when needed.
• Caregivers also give valuable feedback to both the survivor and therapists, especially when tracking progress or adjusting therapy plans.

How to Integrate At-Home Tools into Stroke Supportive Therapy?

At-home tools like Soundsory and Forbrain can easily fit into your stroke supportive therapy program. They work well alongside other therapies, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. Erin’s story is just one great example of how Forbrain was used alongside therapy to help her son Colby recover from his stroke.

Soundsory®

• What It Does: Soundsory improves motor and cognitive abilities with a multi-sensory music and movement program. Works to positively influence neuroplasticity in a fun and challenging way. It can be done safely and by people of all levels and varieties and complements traditional therapies.
• How to Use: Soundsory is a 40-day program divided into two blocks of 20 days each with a recommended 3-week break in between each 20-day session.  Each day consists of 30 minutes of music listening with an optional exercise program. The program can easily be woven into your daily routine.

Forbrain®

• What It Does: Forbrain has been proven to aid with auditory processing, reading, comprehension, attention, speech and communication [8]. It’s Recommended by 7K+ Therapists and 50 000+ happy customers.
• How to Use:  Forbrain^® can be integrated into your daily routine by dedicating 10-20 minutes to speaking, singing, or reading aloud. You can use it as a standalone or connect a secondary microphone for sessions with a caregiver or therapist.

How to Overcome “Recovery Plateaus”?

Let’s begin by defining what a recovery plateau is.

A plateau happens when recovery seems to slow down or stop. This is a normal part of stroke recovery, and it doesn’t mean progress is over. In the past, people believed recovery could only happen within the first 6–12 months after a stroke. 

Now, we know that recovery can continue indefinitely, thanks to neuroplasticity and better rehabilitation techniques.

The biggest improvements often happen early on, but there are ways to keep making progress. Stay consistent with your therapy programs—neuroplasticity works around the clock. Check that your exercises are still challenging enough, and talk to your therapists about how to adjust and move forward.

Look out for new ways to enhance or challenge your abilities. Incorporating tools such as Soundsory and Forbrain will help keep your rehabilitation programs feeling fresh and interesting as well as complementing traditional therapy. By stimulating different areas of the brain, it supports the adaptation of your nervous system and opens a wider range of recovery possibilities.

Stay positive and remember that recovery plateaus are common but do not mean that your recovery has ended.

What is the Role of Professional Therapists in Supportive Care?

Let’s begin by understanding how much of an impact stroke has on the wider population. Stroke affects 795,000 people each year in America [9] and 12.2 million people around the world[10]. This ranges from very mild to more severe strokes and the rate of recovery varies from person to person.  

Professional therapists play a vital role in stroke recovery. Experts like physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and psychologists provide essential care and support. They’re at the core of the stroke recovery guidelines from the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association.

Professional therapists bring unique skills to help stroke survivors, working both individually and as a team. It’s important to seek out therapists trained in neurological rehabilitation, as they have the expertise to understand and address the specific challenges of stroke recovery.

Professional therapists are well-versed in incorporating supportive digital tools and technology [11]  to enhance rehabilitation. Therapists will promote self-management alongside their professional interventions as they optimise recovery and prevent any regression between therapy sessions. 

Therapists often recommend tools like Forbrain and Soundsory suitable for all levels and can be seamlessly used alongside professional therapy treatments.

Final Thoughts: How to Sustain Recovery with Stroke Supportive Therapy

Stroke supportive therapy is essential in helping you regain strength and independence. Your recovery is a continuous journey that takes patience, motivation, and steady effort. By working with skilled professionals like physical, occupational, and speech therapists, you’ll get the guidance you need to make real progress.

This process relies on neuroplasticity—your brain’s incredible ability to rewire and heal with consistent effort. Recovery doesn’t stop when therapy sessions end; it’s a 24/7 commitment, where every small step you take can lead to big improvements.

FAQs About Stroke Supportive Therapy

How long does stroke supportive therapy last?

Expert stroke supportive care is crucial for optimizing outcomes in stroke patients.  It begins in the acute stages [12] of care and can last for weeks, months and even years.

Recovery from stroke is an ongoing process and can involve a wide range of professionals, caregivers, and at-home tools and technology.

Remember that recovery plateaus are common and an anticipated part of the recovery process. It’s important to stay motivated and seek ways to adapt and diversify your therapy programmes to overcome these plateaus.

Tools like Soundsory®️ and Forbrain®️ offer easily accessible solutions which can be incorporated alongside existing stroke supportive therapy for the long term.

Can stroke supportive therapy continue at home?

Yes, absolutely. In fact, continuing your stroke supportive therapy at home is essential to making the most of your recovery.

In some areas, you might be able to get professional therapists to visit you at home, making recovery more convenient. Along with this support, committing to self-management therapy is essential for getting the best results from your recovery journey.

Our article on activities for stroke patients offers some fantastic suggestions for exercises you can add into your program.

Therapists often recommend independent exercise programs to support your recovery. Whenever possible, involve your caregiver to help you stay consistent and motivated. They can also assist with any practical steps needed to keep your therapy on track.

What is the best therapy for stroke patients?

As recommended by the American Stroke Association, the best therapy for stroke patients is one that involves the input of expertly trained professionals.

These could include:

·   Rehabilitation therapy nursing

·   Physical therapy

·   Occupational therapy

·   Speech-language therapy

·   Audiology recreational therapy

·   Nutritional care

·   Rehabilitation counseling

·   Social work

·   Psychiatry/Psychology

·   Chaplaincy

·   Patient/Family education

·   Support groups

Every stroke is different, so the best therapy is one that’s personalized to your unique needs. It starts with a detailed assessment and a treatment plan designed specifically for you.

Your recovery is a team effort involving your therapists, caregivers, and support network. Therapy programs should focus on your personal goals, be reviewed regularly, and adjust to keep challenging you as you make progress. 

Technology can also play a big role in supporting your long-term recovery and helping you achieve your goals.

If you or a loved one has recently experienced a stroke you may also find our article on what to do after a stroke at home helpful.

References:

1. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). (2022, September 27). Stroke Treatment. National Institutes of Health (.gov). Retrieved January 10, 2025, from https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/stroke/treatment
2. Winstein, C. J., Stein, J., Arena, R., Bates, B., Cherney, L. R., Cramer, S. C., Deruyter, F., … American Heart Association Stroke Council, Council on Cardiovascular and Stroke Nursing, Council on Clinical Cardiology, & Council on Quality of Care and Outcomes Research (2016). Guidelines for Adult Stroke Rehabilitation and Recovery: A Guideline for Healthcare Professionals from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. Stroke, 47(6), 1698–1710. https://doi.org/10.1161/STR.0000000000000098
3. Jinju et al. Effect of Speech-Auditory Feedback Training on cognitive dysfunctions in stroke patients. Published in: Shandong Medical Journal, 2017, Vol. 57, Iss. 26
4. Chun, H.-Y. Y., Ford, A., Kutlubaev, M. A., Almeida, O. P., & Mead, G. E. (2022). Depression, anxiety, and suicide after stroke: A narrative review of the best available evidence. Stroke, 53(4), 1143-1153.
5. Stroke Support Group Finder. American Stroke Association. Retrieved from https://www.stroke.org/en/about-stroke/life-after-stroke/support/stroke-support-group-finder [accessed January 8th 2025]
6. American Art Therapy Association. (n.d.). About Art Therapy. Retrieved January 10, 2025, from https://arttherapy.org/about-art-therapy/
7. NHS Choices. (n.d.). Stroke recovery. Retrieved January 10, 2025, from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stroke/recovery/
8. Shuxing et al. Nursing Effect of Forbrain® Brain Cognitive Training on Cognitive Dysfunction among Patients with Stroke. Published in: Medicine and Philosophy, June 2017, Vol. 38, No. 6B, Total No. 575
9. American Stroke Association. (n.d.). About Stroke. Retrieved January 10, 2025, from https://www.stroke.org/en/about-stroke
10. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2023, November 3). Stroke Facts. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved January 10, 2025, from https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/data-research/facts-stats/index.html
11. American Stroke Association. (n.d.). Technology and life post-stroke. Retrieved January 10, 2025, from https://www.stroke.org/en/life-after-stroke/stroke-rehab/technology-and-life-post-stroke
12. Chalela, J. A., & Todd, J. W. (2004). Supportive care of the acute stroke patient. In S. E. Kasner & P. B. Gorelick (Eds.), Blue Books of Practical Neurology (Vol. 29, pp. 329-347). Butterworth-Heinemann. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1877-3419(09)70091-1