Joint Mobility and Muscle Stretching: Exercises for Flexibility and Joint Health

- Begin with a gradual warm-up to prepare the muscles, joints, breathing, and cardiovascular system. The warm-up should be matched to the planned activity and the person’s mobility.
- Choose exercises that match current strength, balance, endurance, sensation, cognition, and medical conditions. Some people may begin with short bouts, even a few minutes at a time, and progress gradually under professional guidance rather than using a fixed 15-minute minimum.
- There is no single 45-minute duration that is appropriate for everyone after stroke. Session length and intensity should be individualized, and activity may be divided into shorter bouts when fatigue or mobility limitations are present.
- After continuous or moderate-to-vigorous activity, reduce the pace gradually instead of stopping abruptly. A cool-down may help some people avoid lightheadedness while the heart rate and circulation return toward resting levels. It does not guarantee prevention of complications.
- Avoid vigorous exercise immediately after a large meal. Allow enough time for comfort and digestion, and follow individual medical advice, especially when diabetes, heart disease, reflux, swallowing difficulty, or medication-related blood-pressure changes are present.