Stroke recovery generally begins in the hospital as soon as the patient’s medical condition is stabilized, often within 24 to 48 hours. Upon the patient’s discharge, a hospital provided social worker would assist with developing a plan to continue rehabilitation and care. There are some patients that go from the hospital to a skilled nursing facility or other care setting specializing in rehabilitative therapy before returning home, while others may return home directly. Outpatient rehabilitation facilities provide access to physicians and a full range of therapist specializing in stroke rehabilitation. Depending on the patient’s needs, this may include the following:

1. Physical therapy to help restore physical functioning and treat problems with movement, balance, and coordination
2. Occupational therapy to help patients relearn or develop adaptive strategies for performing the skills of daily living, such as eating, walking, and dressing
3. Speech-language therapy to regain language and communication skills and address swallowing problems
4. Mental health counseling to help the patient cope with emotional and behavioral changes that sometimes occur after a stroke