Stroke rehabilitation: rebuilding movement, reclaiming independence

Motor assessment (Fugl-Meyer, Motricity Index), spasticity grading (Modified Ashworth Scale), sensory testing, balance assessment (Berg), gait analysis, and functional independence measure (FIM). We identify key impairments but also preserved capabilities - the foundation for recovery.

Bed mobility, supported sitting balance, safe transfer training (bed ↔ chair ↔ toilet), shoulder protection and positioning to prevent subluxation, and passive/active-assisted limb movement to maintain joint range.

Sit-to-stand training, weight-bearing through the affected limb, gait retraining with appropriate assistive device progression (walker → quad stick → single stick → independent), stair negotiation, and upper limb reaching/grasping/releasing using shaping and repetitive task practice.

For patients with some active hand/wrist movement: constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) principles - restraining the unaffected arm to force use of the affected limb during graded tasks. For all patients: reducing learned non-use and replacing maladaptive compensatory patterns with recovered normal movement.