From the Guidelines
All patients with minor stroke should be considered for physical therapy follow-up in the acute phase, as early intervention can significantly improve functional outcomes and reduce the risk of complications. The need for rehabilitation services varies based on individual deficits, stroke severity, and location. Even minor strokes can cause subtle impairments in balance, coordination, strength, or fine motor skills that benefit from early therapeutic intervention 1. Physical therapy in the acute phase typically focuses on assessment of functional limitations, early mobilization, gait training, and development of a personalized rehabilitation plan. The goal is to maximize recovery during the period of heightened neuroplasticity that occurs in the first few weeks after stroke. Some key aspects of stroke rehabilitation include:
- Early mobilization to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT), skin breakdown, contracture formation, constipation, and pneumonia 1
- Assessment of functional limitations and development of a personalized rehabilitation plan
- Early intervention to improve functional outcomes and reduce the risk of complications such as falls, contractures, and deconditioning
- Evaluation by a physical therapist within 24-48 hours of stroke onset when possible, even if deficits appear minor 1 It is essential to note that the provision of comprehensive rehabilitation programs with adequate resources, dose, and duration is an essential aspect of stroke care and should be a priority 1. Patients should be evaluated and treated based on their individual needs, and rehabilitation services should be tailored to address specific deficits and promote optimal recovery.
From the Research
Physical Therapy Follow-up for Minor Stroke Patients
- The exact percentage of patients with minor stroke who require physical therapy follow-up in the acute phase is not directly stated in the provided studies.
- However, a study published in 2023 2 found that 35.0% of patients received no physical therapy, implying that 65.0% of patients did receive physical therapy.
- The same study also found that therapy counts were low overall, with most therapy delivered within the first 3 months.
- Another study published in 2025 3 explored the experiences of patients with minor stroke participating in a supervised exercise program, but did not provide specific information on the percentage of patients requiring physical therapy follow-up.
- It is worth noting that the studies provided focus on various aspects of stroke rehabilitation, including physical therapy interventions, rehabilitation therapy doses, virtual reality therapy, and supervised exercise programs, but do not provide a clear answer to the question of what percentage of patients with minor stroke require physical therapy follow-up in the acute phase.
Factors Influencing Physical Therapy Follow-up
- A study published in 2023 2 found that clinical factors such as grip strength and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score predicted higher subsequent therapy doses.
- The same study also found that measures of impairment and function assessed 3 months after stroke predicted subsequent cumulative therapy doses.
- Another study published in 2025 4 found that virtual reality therapy can be an effective tool in improving upper limb motor function and manual dexterity in stroke patients, particularly during the acute and subacute recovery stages.
- The study published in 2025 3 highlighted the importance of effective communication and collaboration across sectors in empowering patients to continue exercising independently after a stroke.