Recovering from a Brain Injury
Written by Kaisheng Wang- UPG Physiotherapist
Are you on the road to recovery from a brain injury? If so, you may have questions about your physiotherapy exercises. Here are answers to some common questions my clients often ask, along with guidance to keep you motivated and committed!
How Often Should I Do My Physio Exercises After a Brain Injury?
The answer? More often than you think! Consistency is key to real progress. Regular practice helps your brain and body adapt, paving the way for a stronger recovery.
Why Do I Need to Keep Doing Physio Exercises? Haven’t I Done Enough?
It’s totally natural to wonder if you’ve already done enough after putting in hard work with your physiotherapist. But here’s the truth: your exercises aren’t just “homework”—they’re essential building blocks that fuel your recovery every day. Sticking with them, even when they feel repetitive, is the foundation for long-term improvement.
Here’s why: Neuroplasticity – the brain’s incredible ability to adapt and form new connections. After a brain injury or stroke, neuroplasticity allows you to relearn movements and skills you might have lost. This means your current mobility doesn’t have to be permanent; with consistent practice and training, you can work toward moving better and living more fully.
It’s never too late! Even if it’s been years since your injury, you still have the potential to improve.
Progress takes time: Think of recovery as a marathon, not a sprint. It’s all about showing up consistently, not just making one big effort.
How Much Exercise Do I Really Need?
Let’s put it in perspective. Imagine asking, “How much food do I need?” If someone told you they only ate a large banquet once a week and starved the rest of the time, you’d probably think they were missing the point, right? Your body needs fuel daily, and the same goes for your recovery exercises—small, consistent efforts are what drive real progress.
Studies suggest that, depending on your stage of recovery, you might need anywhere from 5 to 1,800 repetitions. Don’t worry—this doesn’t mean you have to run a marathon! Just aim to keep moving a little each day:
Start small: Begin with exercises that fit into your daily life. Stay Consistent: Even a few minutes a day adds up to meaningful progress.
Think of it like this: If you’ve just had a stroke, you might only be able to bend your knee five times in a 30-minute session with your physiotherapist. Alternatively, if you’ve had Parkinson's for years, you might be doing a daily 2 km walk and a rigorous exercise program.
One of the key roles of your physio is to assess which movements will make the biggest difference for you. Together, you’ll focus on exercises that target the parts of your body that will have the greatest impact on your quality of life and overall mobility.
3 Easy Ways to Make Physio Exercises Part of Your Routine
Want an insider tip? Make your physio exercises a habit with these simple tricks:
Pair exercises with everyday tasks
Do squats while brushing your teeth or stretches while the kettle boils.
Keep an exercise band near the fridge – do a quick workout while grabbing a snack.
Turn your exercises into a game
Challenge family or friends to a “who can do more squats” contest.
Keep a scoreboard and reward yourself for hitting weekly goals.
Take the 4-week challenge
Commit to 4 weeks of consistent exercises. Track your progress, and celebrate each small win.
Up for more? Try a 12-week challenge for even bigger results.
In the time it took you to read this, you could have completed one round of exercises! Remember, every movement is a step toward your goals, whether that’s walking independently, moving with less pain, or gaining confidence.
My hope is that reading this frees you to know that your efforts are not in vain. I encourage you to use your frustration with your current level of movement to fuel you to make the most of your time with your Physio. So, put up your exercises and make the most of this opportunity to improve and reach the goals you thought were once out of reach.
Remember: You’re stronger than you think! You’ve got this.
References and more info
Dorsch, S., Elkins, M.R., Repetitions and dose in stroke rehabilitation. J Physiotherapy;66(4):211-212. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32536590/
D.G. de Sousa, et al. J Physiotherapy, 64 (2018), pp. 210-221, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1836955318301152
Birkenmeier, R. L., Prager, E. M., & Lang, C. E. (2010). Translating animal doses of task-specific training to people with chronic stroke in 1-hour therapy sessions: a proof-of-concept study. Neurorehabilitation and neural repair, 24(7), 620–635. https://doi.org/10.1177/1545968310361957
Fini, N.A., Bernhardt, J., Churilov, L., Clark, R. & Holland, A.E. (2021). Adherence to physical activity and cardiovascular recommendations during the 2 years after stroke rehabilitation discharge. Ann Phys Rehabil Med;64(2):101455. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33189943/
Boyne, P., Billinger, S.A., Reisman, D.S. (2023). Optimal intensity and duration of walking rehabilitation in patients with chronic stroke – a randomised clinical trial. JAMA Neurol; 80(4):342-351. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36822187/
Kleim JA. Neural plasticity and neurorehabilitation: teaching the new brain old tricks. J Commun Disord. 2011 Sep-Oct;44(5):521-8, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21600589/
Stroke Foundation. Clinical Guidelines for Stroke Management. Available at Clinical Guidelines for Stroke Management. Available at https://informme.org.au/guidelines/living-clinical-guidelines-for-stroke-management
McLoughlin, J. (2020). Ten Guiding Principles for Movement Training in Neurorehabilitation. Open Physio J,1:3-7. https://www.openphysiojournal.com/article/ten-guiding-principles-for-movement-training-in-neurorehabilitation/
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