How physiotherapy supports stroke and heart health
07 Sep 2026
This year, the focus is on how physiotherapy and physical activity can help prevent, manage and support recovery from cardiovascular disease (CVD) and stroke.
One in four people will experience a stroke during their lifetime, but most strokes can be prevented. Around 30 minutes of exercise, five days a week, can reduce the risk of stroke by 25%.
Physiotherapists can help reduce stroke risk by encouraging regular physical activity and supporting people to manage long-term health conditions.
After a stroke, physiotherapy is an important part of rehabilitation. Exercise-based physiotherapy can help people improve their mobility, balance, physical function and wellbeing, supporting greater independence and quality of life.
CVD is the leading cause of death worldwide, causing more than 20.5 million deaths each year. Heart attack and stroke account for 85% of these deaths.
Physiotherapists also play an important role in preventing and managing CVD. They can identify risk factors, prescribe exercise, encourage healthy lifestyle changes and support early intervention. Physiotherapy can also help people improve their fitness and reduce the risk of future cardiac events.
At Launceston General Hospital, Senior Physiotherapist – Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Bec Smith and Senior Physiotherapist and Team Leader – Outpatient Rehabilitation Emily Farquhar provide care to patients every day.
“We help throughout the entire continuum of cardiovascular disease,” Bec said.
She supports people with prevention, prepares patients for cardiac surgery, cares for patients on the cardiac ward and provides ongoing rehabilitation. Her work also helps people regain fitness after heart events and procedures, understand their condition and reduce the risk of further heart events.
Emily said the team runs stroke and amputee group classes that focus on strength, balance, function and cardiovascular fitness. The Outpatient Rehabilitation team also works with patients to manage cardiovascular risk factors and prevent disease progression.
Health coaching and individualised exercise programs are also important in helping patients work towards their goals.
For both physiotherapists, supporting people is one of the most rewarding parts of their work.
Bec said she enjoys helping people feel like themselves again and seeing their progress during the eight-week cardiac rehabilitation program.
Emily said patients in Outpatient Rehabilitation may work with the team for 10 weeks or more. Building relationships, improving function and helping people achieve their goals are important parts of their care. Patients also often support each other as they share their experiences.
Recognising the signs of heart attack and stroke is also important, as early action can save lives.
Bec encouraged people to learn more about heart attack symptoms because they do not always appear as expected.
About 5% of heart attacks are described as “silent” and may not involve common symptoms such as chest pain, sudden shortness of breath or pain in the left arm.
These symptoms can be even less obvious in women. Less common symptoms can include feeling sick, sweating, dizziness or pain in the back, neck or jaw.
Emily also highlighted the importance of acting quickly when someone may be having a stroke. Early treatment can help reduce the risk of permanent brain damage or death.
Remember F.A.S.T. if you suspect a stroke:
- F – Face: Check their face. Has their mouth dropped?
- A – Arms: Can they lift both arms?
- S – Speech: Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you?
- T – Time: Time is critical. Call Triple Zero (000) immediately if you notice any of these signs.
Regular movement is one of the best ways to help reduce the risk of cardiovascular events.
Bec encourages people to find physical activities they enjoy and try different options until they find something that works for them. Moving with a friend can also make activity more enjoyable.
Emily recommends starting small, setting achievable goals and building movement into everyday routines. Choosing activities you enjoy and having clear goals can make it easier to stay active over time.
How physiotherapy supports stroke and heart health
Source: Tasmanian Department of Health Launceston General Hospital