Activities for Stroke Patients at Home: 10 Effective Rehab Routines That Boost Recovery

If you or your loved one is recovering from a stroke, you may have heard this before: “Just keep moving.” But what exactly should you do at home when formal therapy is done—or when you’re still early in your recovery?

At Indy Neuro Therapy, we help stroke survivors build home rehab routines that actually make a difference. Below, you’ll find 10 of the most effective activities for stroke patients at home.

Start With the Right Stage

Before diving into exercises, it’s critical to know where you’re starting. Recovery activities should be matched to your current Brunnstrom stage of motor recovery. Doing too much—or too little—can slow progress.

🎯 Not sure what stage you’re in? Check out my free 5-Minute Stroke Recovery Roadmap to find out and get a plan that fits.

Top 10 Activities for Stroke Patients at Home

1. Tabletop-Assisted Range of Motion

This is perfect for early-stage survivors (Brunnstrom Stage 1–2) with minimal movement. Use a smooth surface and a towel to assist your affected limb in sliding across the table.

📺 Watch our guided video on tabletop-assisted ROM here

2. Bilateral Arm Training (Supine or Seated)

Moving both arms together—even if one is passive—can help stimulate movement through mirrored input.

📺 See our video demonstration with a therapist here

3. Mirror Therapy

Place a mirror beside your unaffected arm to create the illusion of movement in the affected side. It stimulates motor areas in the brain and is backed by strong evidence.

📺 Mirror box therapy session video

4. Mental Practice (Motor Imagery)

Even imagining yourself moving can strengthen brain connections. Try 5 minutes of imagining yourself tying shoes, reaching, or opening a door.

5. Weight Bearing Through Arms or Legs

Using a therapy bench, edge of a couch, or kitchen counter—press down gently to activate stabilizing muscles.

6. Task-Specific Practice

Choose one functional task (like brushing hair, opening a drawer, or folding towels) and break it down into manageable parts. Repeat it daily with focus.

7. Visual & Sensory Input Activities

Explore different textures, temperatures, or objects with the affected hand to retrain sensation and brain maps.

8. Theraband or Resistance Loop Exercises

If you’ve regained some movement (Stage 4–5), resistance bands can help build strength and refine control.

9. Seated Marching or Leg Taps

Improves trunk control and lower body activation—important for standing and walking. Safe for almost any stage.

10. Breathing and Core Control Work

Don’t skip the basics! Diaphragmatic breathing, posture correction, and pelvic tilts help with energy, voice, and balance.

Bonus Tip: Make It a Routine

Creating a daily rhythm for recovery is more important than intensity. Try this:

🕘 Morning: Gentle ROM, mirror therapy🕒 Afternoon: One task-based challenge or guided video🕕 Evening: Breathing, light stretching, or mental practice

✅ 20–30 minutes a day is a great place to start. Progress is about consistency—not perfection.

Avoid These Common Mistakes

• ❌ Doing random exercises with no progression

• ❌ Only using the stronger side

• ❌ Skipping rest and sleep, which are essential for brain rewiring

• ❌ Waiting until you're "ready" to start—recovery rewards early action

  
  

Ready to Take the Next Step?

🧠 Download the 5-Minute Stroke Recovery Roadmap Identify your stage and get specific next steps.

💬 Work with a stroke recovery coach If you want daily support, feedback, and a home program tailored to your needs—we’ve got your back.

📺 Subscribe to our YouTube Channel For new guided videos and recovery tips every week.

You’re Not Alone in This

Home recovery is hard—but it can work. Every day we see clients making progress from their kitchen tables, living rooms, and bedrooms. With the right structure, mindset, and daily action, recovery continues far beyond rehab.

Let’s get moving. You’ve got this.