Therapy & Rehabilitation
Understanding physical, occupational and speech therapy after stroke, brain injury and spinal cord injury
Recovery often continues long after a person leaves the hospital or rehabilitation program. Physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech-language pathology address different parts of recovery and may be used together as part of a rehabilitation plan.
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Broken Road Project brings together practical education, survivor and caregiver experience, and insights from rehabilitation professionals to help people better understand the tools and resources that may support life after neurological injury.
The Three Core Rehabilitation Therapies
Physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech-language pathology each address different parts of recovery. The exact combination of therapies varies from person to person, but understanding what each discipline does can help survivors and caregivers better navigate rehabilitation and ask informed questions about care.
Physical Therapy (PT)
Physical therapy focuses on movement, mobility, balance, strength and physical function. After a neurological injury, PT may help a person work toward safer walking, transfers, endurance and greater independence with movement.
Occupational Therapy (OT)
Occupational therapy focuses on the activities that make up everyday life. OT may address dressing, bathing, cooking, vision, coordination, upper-extremity function, home safety and strategies that help a person participate more independently in daily routines.
Speech-Language Pathology (SLP)
Speech-language pathologists work with much more than speech. SLP may address communication, language, cognition, memory, problem-solving, swallowing and other skills that affect safety and participation in everyday life.
Recovery Insights from Broken Road Project
Recovery is more than a list of therapies. It is shaped by real experiences, practical challenges and the people who help survivors and caregivers navigate life after neurological injury.
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Broken Road Project brings together survivor and caregiver perspectives with insights from rehabilitation professionals through original interviews, podcast conversations and Recovery Toolbox programs.
Physical Therapy: Keep Moving Forward
BRP Recovery Toolbox • Jamie Jackson, PT, DPT
In Broken Road Project’s Recovery Toolbox series, Jamie Jackson, PT, DPT, shared practical physical therapy guidance for life after brain injury and stroke. The discussion focused on continuing movement and recovery beyond formal rehabilitation and on practical tools survivors and caregivers can carry into everyday life.
Occupational Therapy: Rebuilding Everyday Life
The Broken Road Podcast • Shamyiah Stone, OT
Occupational therapy can reach into nearly every part of daily life after neurological injury. In her Broken Road Project conversation, Shamyiah Stone discussed how occupational therapy supports recovery, independence and the process of rebuilding everyday routines after stroke.
Speech-Language Pathology: Communication, Cognition & Recovery
The Broken Road Podcast • SLP Conversations
Broken Road Project conversations with speech-language pathologists explore how communication, cognition, language and swallowing can affect daily life after neurological injury. These discussions help survivors and caregivers better understand the broad role of SLP in recovery and the practical challenges that can continue beyond formal rehabilitation.
Continue Your Recovery
Rehabilitation often continues in different forms long after formal therapy ends. The resources below can help survivors and caregivers keep learning, find support, and explore practical tools for life after neurological injury.
Important: Broken Road Project provides educational and community resources and does not provide medical advice. Recovery and rehabilitation needs vary by person. Talk with your healthcare or rehabilitation team about questions related to your individual care.
You Are Not Alone