Stroke rehabilitation in Canberra.
Evidence-based exercise physiology following stroke, improving cardiovascular fitness, strength, balance, gait quality, and functional independence. Early and late-stage rehabilitation. Ground floor access available for clients with mobility needs.
- Post-stroke strength & balance
- Gait retraining & cardiovascular fitness
- Ground floor access available
- NDIS, DVA & Medicare accepted
Access note: Fitness & Wellbeing Physiology is on the first floor of Fitness Grand (accessed by stairs). For post-stroke clients who cannot use stairs, James can use the ground floor classroom, please mention this when booking and it will be arranged.
Exercise physiology after stroke.
Stroke, or cerebrovascular accident (CVA), disrupts blood flow to the brain, causing damage to motor, sensory, and cognitive function. The nature and extent of impairment depends on which brain region is affected. Common post-stroke challenges include weakness on one side of the body (hemiplegia/hemiparesis), altered gait, reduced balance, fatigue, cardiovascular deconditioning, and reduced functional independence.
Exercise physiology is strongly evidence-supported at all stages post-stroke. Early rehabilitation captures the window of greatest neuroplasticity, but meaningful gains in strength, balance, cardiovascular fitness, and function can be achieved months or years after the initial event. It's never too late to start.
What we target
- Cardiovascular fitness (aerobic capacity)
- Upper and lower limb strength
- Balance and fall prevention
- Gait quality and walking speed
- Functional independence and ADLs
- Fatigue management
What a first session looks like
- Review of stroke history and current deficits
- Functional capacity assessment, strength, balance, gait
- Goal-setting around meaningful daily activities
- Evidence-based program design for your presentation
- Ground floor access arranged if needed
- Progress letter to your GP within 2 weeks
James coordinates with your neurologist, GP, and other treating clinicians to ensure exercise rehabilitation complements your overall care. For complex presentations requiring a multidisciplinary inpatient or day-hospital setting, James maintains referral pathways to appropriate Canberra services.
Funding for post-stroke rehabilitation.
NDIS
Stroke rehabilitation sits under Capacity Building, Improved Daily Living (15_200_0126_1_3) for self-managed and plan-managed participants. James provides progress reports and plan-review FCAs.
DVA
DVA Gold and White Card holders can access stroke rehabilitation at no cost with a D904 GP referral. Veterans with stroke secondary to service-related conditions are commonly eligible.
Medicare CDM
Stroke qualifies for a Medicare Chronic Disease Management plan, up to 5 Medicare-rebated sessions per year with a GP referral. Ask your GP about a Team Care Arrangement.
Private & health insurance
Private health extras cover applies for eligible policies. HICAPS on-the-spot rebates available. Self-pay also welcome, no referral required for private appointments.
Frequently asked
Related pages
Recent literature behind this program.
A selection of the research and clinical guidelines that inform how this condition is managed at Fitness & Wellbeing Physiology.
- Saunders DH, Sanderson M, Hayes S, et al. Physical fitness training for stroke patients. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2020;3:CD003316.
- Billinger SA, Arena R, Bernhardt J, et al. Physical activity and exercise recommendations for stroke survivors: a statement for healthcare professionals from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. Stroke 2014;45:2532–2553.
Evidence summaries are provided for information only and are not a substitute for individual clinical assessment.
Book your appointment.
Same-week availability for NDIS, DVA, CDM, CTP and private clients.
Prefer to call? 0418 153 608 · or email admin@fwphysiology.com