Treatments & Therapies
An honest, plain-language look at the therapies people ask about - what the evidence really says, where each one may help, and where it may not. Every hub gathers the related guides, research, and hands-on practice in one place.
This is general education, not medical advice. Talk to your clinician before starting, stopping, or changing any treatment.
Evidence strength at a glance
Grouped strongest first. A weaker rating does not mean "useless" - open a hub for where it may still help.
Core rehabilitation therapies
The mainstays of neuro-rehab, delivered by qualified therapists and backed by the strongest evidence.
- Well supported
Speech & language therapy
Strong evidence it improves communication after stroke. It is the core treatment for aphasia - and the amount and consistency of meaningful practice matter.
Also called: SLT, speech pathology, speech-language pathology, aphasia therapy
- Well supported
Physiotherapy (physical therapy)
Strong evidence it improves function, balance, and walking. No single 'named' method is best - what counts is task-specific practice and enough of it.
Also called: physical therapy, PT, neurophysiotherapy, neuro physio
- Well supported
Occupational therapy
Good evidence it improves independence in daily activities after stroke. Practical, goal-led, and focused on the tasks you actually want back.
Also called: OT, occupational therapist
- Promising
Aquatic therapy (hydrotherapy)
Encouraging for balance and mobility (especially in Parkinson's), and gentle on painful joints. Evidence is limited by small, varied studies - best as an add-on to land-based rehab.
Also called: hydrotherapy, water therapy, aqua therapy, aquatic exercise, pool therapy, water-based exercise, Halliwick
Creative & expressive therapies
Delivered by trained therapists, these use rhythm, music, and expression toward real goals - mood, movement, and communication.
Complementary & traditional approaches
Used alongside standard care. Some may ease symptoms, but the evidence is often mixed or low quality - never a replacement for medical treatment.
- Mixed / low quality
Acupuncture
Studies are mostly low quality and shrink when compared with sham needling. It appears safe and may ease some symptoms (e.g. spasticity) as a low-risk add-on - not a replacement for rehab.
Also called: electroacupuncture, scalp acupuncture, dry needling, traditional Chinese medicine needling
- Mixed / low quality
Acupressure
Limited, low-quality evidence in neuro conditions. Needle-free, low-risk, and easy for a carer to try for comfort or nausea - but not a proven treatment for recovery.
Also called: shiatsu, pressure point therapy, acupoint pressure, meridian pressure
Device-based & emerging
Technology-driven treatments that range from clinic-proven (rTMS) to early-stage or unproven. Read the detail before you spend money.
- Depends on the type
Magnetic therapy
Depends entirely on the type. Static magnets (bracelets, mats) have good evidence they do NOT work. rTMS - a clinical brain-stimulation treatment - has real evidence as an add-on for aphasia and motor recovery.
Also called: static magnets, magnetic bracelets, magnet therapy, rTMS, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, TMS, PEMF
- Experimental
Laser therapy (photobiomodulation)
Interesting mechanisms and early, small studies - but not proven for brain recovery, and a large stroke trial failed. Safe, but treat it as experimental, not established care.
Also called: low-level laser therapy, LLLT, photobiomodulation, PBM, transcranial photobiomodulation, red light therapy, cold laser, infrared light therapy