"Pain is common after stroke. It can start while the body is healing, but it can also stick around long term. When it does, it makes daily life difficult, and can wear you down over time. But even if you can't make your pain go away, it's still possible to do something about it."
EnableMe Podcast

In the EnableMe podcast from the Stroke Foundation (link above) they talk about ways to reduce pain levels and improve quality of life for stroke survivors. Insights into how mindfulness, movement and meditation can help are shared by stroke survivor Emma Gee. Information and advice is also shared by a physiotherapist and OT who work with people with pain after stroke.

Pain after stroke is complex and is still being researched. What we do know is that there are many factors linked to pain and stroke that can be managed to make life easier.

Gaining an understanding of pain; knowing how it works biologically but also how it works in your body specifically is something health professionals trained in 'Explain Pain' can assist you with. With this knowledge you can start to build your own tool box.

Things like sleep quality, fatigue, stress, inactivity, social supports and diet can all impact on your pain experience (amongst many more). Physiotherapy, alongside other health professionals can improve your understanding of pain and how to reduce the impact of fatigue and inactivity on pain.

Physiotherapy can support you to regain strength, flexibility, confidence and fitness to enable you to do more of the things that are important to you.

NB: This is a photo of me with 'Explain Pain' educator David Butler in 2016