தமிழ்हिन्दीతెలుగుಕನ್ನಡമലയാളംEnglish

🧠 Stroke rehab · பக்கவாதம்

Stroke rehab exercises: 8 home rehab exercises with Tamil names, doses and steps

After a stroke, many people continue their recovery at home, with family members acting as carers. Weakness on one side of the body (hemiplegia) can make rolling in bed, sitting up, standing and reaching difficult. Regular, focused practice helps the brain relearn movement, and family support makes a big difference. These exercises cover bed mobility, sitting balance, standing up from a chair, stepping and supported arm reaching. Every exercise should be done with a carer present, and the weak arm must never be pulled. Your physiotherapist will assess what is safe, choose the exercises, set the dose and teach your carer how to help.

In short: At home after a stroke, practise bed mobility (rolling onto the side and side-lying to sitting, about 5 each), seated weight shifts and seated reaching at 2×10, and assisted stand-up from a chair at 3×5, always with a carer present. Support the weak arm on a table for table-top arm slides and never pull on it. Short sessions two or three times a day work best.

Used for

  • Hemiplegia (one-sided weakness) after stroke
  • Difficulty rolling or sitting up in bed
  • Poor sitting balance
  • Difficulty standing up from a chair
  • Weak or painful shoulder after stroke
  • Reduced use of the weaker arm

The 8 exercises on this page

  1. Rolling onto the side · படுக்கையில் பக்கவாட்டில் உருளுதல் · 2×5
  2. Side-lying to sitting · பக்கவாட்டில் இருந்து எழுந்து உட்காருதல் · 1×5
  3. Seated weight shift · உட்கார்ந்து எடை மாற்றம் · 2×10
  4. Seated reach to targets · உட்கார்ந்து இலக்கை நோக்கி எட்டுதல் · 2×10
  5. Assisted stand-up from chair · உதவியுடன் நாற்காலியில் இருந்து எழுதல் · 3×5
  6. Table-top arm slide · மேசையில் கை சறுக்கல் · 2×10
  7. Step forward and back at a counter · மேசை பிடித்து முன்-பின் அடி வைத்தல் · 2×10
  8. Hip lift in bed · படுக்கையில் இடுப்பு உயர்த்துதல் · 2×8

How to perform each exercise

Dose shown is a common starting point; your physiotherapist sets yours. Inside Physio Clinic Software these exercises go to patients on WhatsApp with a daily check-in in Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, English. There are no recorded videos yet; clinics can link their own video to any exercise. Exercises are for use under a physiotherapist's guidance.

Exercise 1 · Lying

Rolling onto the side · படுக்கையில் பக்கவாட்டில் உருளுதல்

2×56 languages

Rolling is the first step in bed mobility after a stroke, needed for changing position, preventing pressure sores and getting out of bed. Practising it with the right technique builds independence and protects the weak shoulder. The carer guides, while the person does as much as possible.

How to perform it

  1. Lie on your back with the knees bent if possible, the carer beside the bed.
  2. Place the weak arm safely across the body so it does not get trapped.
  3. Turn the head, reach the strong arm across and let the knees fall to the side as you roll.
  4. Roll back slowly and repeat towards the other side if advised.
Take care

The carer should guide at the hip and shoulder blade and never pull on the weak arm.

Exercise 2 · Side-lying

Side-lying to sitting · பக்கவாட்டில் இருந்து எழுந்து உட்காருதல்

1×56 languages

Getting from lying on the side to sitting on the edge of the bed is a key daily skill after a stroke. Practising it builds trunk control and reduces how much help is needed from the family for toileting and meals.

How to perform it

  1. Roll onto your side near the bed edge, with the carer in front of you.
  2. Slide the legs over the edge of the bed.
  3. Push up through the strong elbow and hand as the legs lower to the floor.
  4. Sit upright with both feet flat and hands supported, then reverse slowly.
Take care

The carer should support at the shoulder blade and pelvis; sit for a moment before standing in case of light-headedness.

Exercise 3 · Sitting

Seated weight shift · உட்கார்ந்து எடை மாற்றம்

2×106 languages

Shifting weight from one buttock to the other while sitting trains trunk control and encourages use of the weaker side. Good sitting balance is the foundation for dressing, eating and standing up safely. Start with small movements and increase them as control improves over time.

How to perform it

  1. Sit on a firm bed edge or chair with both feet flat, the carer beside the weak side.
  2. Rest the weak hand on the thigh or a pillow.
  3. Slowly lean your weight towards one side, keeping the trunk tall, then return to the middle.
  4. Lean to the other side, and forward and back if advised.
Take care

Keep the movements small at first, with the carer within arm's reach to prevent a fall.

Exercise 4 · Sitting

Seated reach to targets · உட்கார்ந்து இலக்கை நோக்கி எட்டுதல்

2×106 languages

Reaching for objects placed at different points trains balance, trunk control and arm use together. Using real items such as a cup, comb or tumbler makes practice meaningful and links it to daily activities. Start with targets close to the body and move them out gradually.

How to perform it

  1. Sit on a firm chair with feet flat and the carer nearby.
  2. Place objects on a table in front and slightly to each side.
  3. Reach for each object with the hand your physio has advised, then return to sitting tall.
  4. Gradually place targets further away as balance improves.
Take care

Do not reach so far that you lose balance; the carer should guard you but never pull on the weak arm.

Exercise 5 · Sitting

Assisted stand-up from chair · உதவியுடன் நாற்காலியில் இருந்து எழுதல்

3×56 languages

Practising standing up from a chair builds leg strength on both sides and is essential for toileting, walking and transfers. Leaning forward first and keeping weight through both feet helps the weaker leg take its share of the work. Go slowly and rest between repetitions.

How to perform it

  1. Sit near the front of a firm chair with armrests, feet flat and slightly back, the carer at the weak side.
  2. Lean the trunk forward so the nose comes over the toes.
  3. Push through both feet, using the strong hand on the armrest, and stand up tall.
  4. Sit down slowly by bending forward and reaching back for the armrest.
Take care

The carer should steady you at the hips or with a gait belt, never pull on the weak arm, and stop if you feel faint.

Exercise 6 · Sitting

Table-top arm slide · மேசையில் கை சறுக்கல்

2×106 languages

Sliding the weak arm forward on a table with a towel under the hand encourages shoulder and elbow movement while the arm stays fully supported. This protects the weak shoulder while you practise reaching. It is a safe way to practise arm movement every day.

How to perform it

  1. Sit at a table with a small towel under the weak hand.
  2. Place the strong hand on top to help if needed.
  3. Slide the hands forward along the table, leaning the trunk forward a little.
  4. Slide back slowly and rest.
Take care

Never pull on the weak arm or force it overhead; stop if the shoulder becomes painful.

Exercise 7 · Standing

Step forward and back at a counter · மேசை பிடித்து முன்-பின் அடி வைத்தல்

2×106 languages

Standing at a counter and stepping one foot forward and back trains weight shift onto the weaker leg and prepares for walking. Holding a firm support and having a carer present keeps the practice safe. Take small steps and rest whenever you feel tired.

How to perform it

  1. Stand at a kitchen counter holding on with the strong hand, the carer at the weak side.
  2. Shift weight onto the strong leg and step the weak foot forward.
  3. Shift weight forward over that foot, then step it back.
  4. Repeat with the strong leg stepping so that the weak leg takes the weight.
Take care

Practise standing exercises only once your physio says it is safe, and stop if the knee buckles or you feel tired.

Exercise 8 · Lying

Hip lift in bed · படுக்கையில் இடுப்பு உயர்த்துதல்

2×86 languages

Lifting the hips off the bed with both knees bent strengthens the hip and trunk muscles and makes it easier to move in bed, use a bedpan and change clothes. It also trains the weak leg to take weight. Rest between each lift.

How to perform it

  1. Lie on your back with both knees bent and feet flat, the carer beside you.
  2. The carer may steady the weak knee so it stays upright.
  3. Press through both feet and lift the hips a little off the bed.
  4. Hold 3 seconds and lower slowly.
Take care

Keep the lift small at first and breathe normally; do not hold your breath, especially if you have high blood pressure.

How to progress stroke rehab exercises, phase by phase

A stroke rehab programme is not one fixed list. The same 8 exercises are introduced in stages, and the dose rises only when the current stage is easy and pain settles within 24 hours. This is the usual order a physiotherapist follows:

PhaseGoalTypical exercises
Stage 1 · bed and sittingSafe bed mobility and steady sittingRolling onto the side, side-lying to sitting, hip lift in bed, seated weight shift
Stage 2 · standingStand up safely and use the weak side moreAssisted stand-up from chair, seated reach to targets, table-top arm slide
Stage 3 · steppingPrepare for walking and daily tasksStep forward and back at a counter, longer standing practice, real-life reaching tasks

Stroke recovery does not follow fixed timings; your physio will move you between stages based on assessment, not the calendar.

How often, and how hard?

As a rule of thumb, mobility and range-of-motion exercises are done little and often (2–4 short sessions a day), while strengthening is done once a day or on alternate days with full sets. Mild discomfort up to 3–4 out of 10 that settles by the next morning is acceptable; sharper pain, new swelling or pain that spreads means drop back a phase and tell your physiotherapist.

What this looks like on the patient's WhatsApp

With Physio Clinic Software, the physio picks these exercises, sets the dose and the language once. Each morning the patient gets the plan with a link to the steps (and the clinic's own video, if added); they tap Done and reply with a pain score. The therapist sees adherence and pain trend on the chart, and the referring doctor gets a one-page progress letter at week 6.

  • No app to install; works on any phone with WhatsApp
  • English and Tamil exercise names; greeting and check-in line in the patient's language
  • Printable A4 sheet with a QR code for patients who prefer paper
  • Daily pain score shown beside adherence on the chart (automatic high-pain alerts are planned)
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Sample data: illustrative WhatsApp conversation.

Stroke rehab exercise questions

How often should stroke exercises be done at home?

Short sessions spread through the day, such as 2–3 sessions of 15–20 minutes, are usually easier to manage than one long session. Practice on most days helps recovery, and everyday tasks like dressing and eating also count as practice. Fatigue is common after a stroke, so rest between exercises. Your physio will set a programme that matches your energy and goals.

What should we do if there is pain or tiredness?

Stop the exercise if the weak shoulder becomes painful, the knee buckles, or the person feels very tired, faint or short of breath. Support the weak arm on a pillow or table and never pull on it. Mild muscle tiredness is normal, but pain that lingers or increases needs a review by the physio before you continue.

When should we contact a doctor urgently?

Call for emergency medical help at once if there are new signs of stroke: sudden face drooping, new arm or leg weakness, slurred speech, confusion, severe headache or loss of vision. Also contact a doctor for a fall with injury, chest pain, a swollen painful calf, fever or new difficulty swallowing. Contact your physio if progress stalls or new problems appear.

How can a carer protect the weak shoulder?

Always support the weak arm when sitting, using a pillow or table, and avoid letting it hang for long. When helping with moving, hold at the shoulder blade, trunk or hips rather than the arm or hand. Do not lift the arm overhead with force or use overhead pulleys unless your physio advises it. Report any new shoulder pain promptly.

How long does recovery after a stroke take?

Recovery is different for every person. Many people see the fastest improvement in the first few months, but useful gains can continue for much longer with regular practice. Progress depends on the type of stroke, general health and how much consistent practice is done. Your doctor and physiotherapist can give you a better idea after an assessment.

Other body regions

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ACL, knee replacement, meniscus, patellofemoral pain, osteoarthritis

💪 Shoulder · தோள்பட்டை

Frozen shoulder, rotator cuff, impingement, post-fracture, cricket shoulder

🧘 Back · முதுகு

Low back pain, disc prolapse, sciatica, postpartum, spinal stenosis

🙆 Neck · கழுத்து

Mechanical neck pain, cervical spondylosis, tech neck, headaches

🦶 Ankle · கணுக்கால்

Ankle sprain, after cast or fracture, Achilles, plantar fasciitis, balance

🏃 Hip · இடுப்பு

Hip replacement, gluteal weakness, bursitis, piriformis, older adults

💪 Elbow · முழங்கை

Tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, elbow fracture, post-cast stiffness

✋ Wrist & hand · மணிக்கட்டு மற்றும் கை

Colles fracture, carpal tunnel, de Quervain, hand OA, post-cast stiffness

🧍 Upper back & posture · மேல் முதுகு

Thoracic stiffness, desk posture, kyphosis, rounded shoulders

🚶 Balance & falls · சமநிலை

Falls prevention, unsteadiness, dizziness, older adults, fear of falling

🫁 Breathing & chest · சுவாசம்

Post-op chest, post-COVID, COPD, breathlessness, phlegm clearance

🧘 Pelvic floor & core · இடுப்புத் தளம்

Stress incontinence, pregnancy, postnatal, after prostate surgery, core weakness

← Back to the full exercise library · Why patients stop doing home exercises, and what fixes it · Home exercise program app for physiotherapists

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