Healthcare Professional Rehabilitation Resources

Stroke Rehabilitation and Recovery Guideline: Why It Matters?

Stroke rehabilitation is a critical component of comprehensive stroke care, supporting recovery, functional independence, and quality of life for stroke survivors. As stroke rehabilitation practice continues to evolve, healthcare professionals are faced with an expanding body of evidence, changing models of care, and the ongoing need to optimize outcomes for stroke survivors.

It has been a decade since the release of the last stroke rehabilitation and recovery guideline. As the evidence base continues to evolve, the 2026 guideline provides a comprehensive, up-to-date and evidence-based set of recommendations for the best clinical practices in providing care for adults recovering from stroke. This guideline supports:

• Evidence-based clinical practice by translating current research into actionable recommendations.
• Standardization of care across healthcare settings and disciplines, reducing unwarranted practice variation.
• Optimization of patient outcomes through timely, appropriate and goal-directed rehabilitation interventions.
• Enhanced interdisciplinary collaboration among rehabilitation team members and care settings.
• Improved identification and management of post-stroke impairments and complications.
• Support for patient- and family-centered care, including shared decision-making and individualized goal setting.
• Integration of secondary stroke prevention strategies throughout the rehabilitation journey.
• Advancement of quality improvement initiatives using measurable benchmarks and best practices.

Top Things to Know (PDF)

Key Recommendation Areas

• The Rehabilitation Program (PDF)
• Prevention and Medical Management of Comorbidities (PDF)
• Assessment (PDF)
• Sensorimotor Impairments and Activities (PDF)
• Cognition and Communication (PDF)
• Transitions in Care and Community Rehabilitation (PDF)