When should stroke rehabilitation start?

Immediately: Stroke rehab should start immediately after it's been diagnosed. Simple in bed movements is considered part of mobilization physical therapy. Speech therapy, massage, simple movements (standing, sitting, walking) are all part of physical/occupational therapy and should not be delayed as long as the patient is stable.

Medically Stable: Stroke rehabilitation should start as soon as the person is medically stable and able to work with the therapists. Medically stable would be when the person is out of the intensive care unit of a hospital. Able to work with the therapists is when the person has the energy and desire to work with the therapists. This may be either when in the hospital or as an outpatient.

As soon as medically: As soon as medically/neurologically stable an active rehab program should begin. In fact some basic therapy, evaluations and activity should be initiated if medically appropriate in the acute care hospital even before the patient is transferred to a more active rehab program. This could include acute hospital level rehab, subacute rehab, home rehab and an outpatient program.