The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) and the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Neurology (ACPIN) said patients’ chances of recovery are being “limited” because there are not enough physiotherapists and support workers.
National guidelines recommend stroke patients receive three hours of therapy-based rehabilitation a day, five days a week – a standard rarely met.
After a stroke, David was left unable to sit up, walk or carry out basic tasks (Image: Tamsin Starr/PA Wire)
David Stadelman, 73, from Bournemouth, suffered a stroke, heart failure and major surgery that left him unable to sit up, walk or carry out basic daily tasks.
“I couldn’t sit up in bed, brush my teeth or wash myself. I was completely dependent on others,” he said.
After four months in hospital, Mr Stadelman was discharged to a care home, where four months of intensive physiotherapy helped him relearn to walk and regain basic independence.
“The physiotherapists were absolutely brilliant. They didn’t just treat me – they gave me hope.”
Once home, he joined a charity-run rehabilitation group, which he credits with transforming his recovery.
“I’m walking miles, I’m driving again, I’m living my life. But that shouldn’t depend on whether you can find or afford something outside the NHS,” he said.
“It’s very concerning to hear stroke teams are not adequately staffed to support people in their recovery.”
Data from the CSP and ACPIN show hospital-based stroke survivors receive rehabilitation on only three to four days each week, dropping to one or two days after discharge.
A national survey of 159 NHS stroke services revealed widespread workforce shortages across all stages of care – from acute hospital units to community rehabilitation teams.
The 2025 Stroke Physiotherapy Workforce Survey found community stroke services are operating with 26 per cent fewer physiotherapists than recommended, acute stroke teams with 15 per cent fewer, and community rehabilitation support workers 36 per cent below guideline levels.
Ash James, CSP’s director of practice and development, said: “Despite record numbers of registered physiotherapists, stroke services cannot deliver the care patients need because they are chronically understaffed.
“Something is going seriously wrong if the NHS cannot turn workforce growth into posts that meet minimum rehabilitation standards.”
ACPIN chairwoman Adine Adonis added that stroke survival must be matched by the chance to recover well.
“The current shortfall is failing people every day and limiting their potential,” she said
“We need urgent action to ensure every stroke survivor gets the support they deserve.”