Helping Stroke Survivors Regain Strength and Independence
A stroke can change everything in an instant; altering not just a person’s health but also their independence, confidence, and daily life. One of the most common challenges stroke survivors face is hemiparesis, a condition that causes weakness or partial paralysis on one side of the body.
For some, it’s the right arm that won’t lift as it used to; for others, it’s the left leg that drags while trying to walk. Even small movements like holding a spoon, writing a word, or standing without support can feel like impossible tasks. Over time, this weakness doesn’t just affect physical ability; it impacts emotional well-being, relationships, and the simple joy of feeling independent again.
At Jaslok Hospital’s Restorative & Regenerative Medicine Department, we offer advanced stroke recovery therapies, combining evidence-based rehabilitation with Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (Deep TMS) , a safe, non-invasive therapy that targets brain areas responsible for movement. When paired with physical therapy, it has been shown to accelerate motor function recovery in stroke survivors.
This innovative, non-invasive treatment works to activate specific brain regions responsible for movement, helping patients progress faster and more effectively when combined with physical therapy.
What Is Post-Stroke Hemiparesis?
Hemiparesis is a neurological condition that causes weakness on one side of the body following a stroke. When a stroke damages areas of the brain that control voluntary movement, the result is a loss of strength, coordination, and fine motor control on the opposite side of the body.
The effects of hemiparesis can vary from mild weakness to severe paralysis and often involve:
- The face: Drooping or reduced ability to make expressions
- The arm and hand: Difficulty lifting, gripping, or performing fine motor tasks
- The leg and foot: Problems with balance, dragging the foot, or difficulty walking
This weakness doesn’t just limit mobility but it can also lead to muscle stiffness (spasticity), reduced endurance, and a higher risk of falls or injuries.
Standard Treatments for Post-Stroke Hemiparesis
Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
- Exercises to strengthen muscles and retrain movement patterns.
- Techniques to improve balance, coordination, and daily activities.
Neuro-Rehabilitation Programs
- Activities designed to activate damaged brain pathways.
- May include robotic-assisted movement therapies or mirror therapy.
Medications (When Needed)
- Muscle relaxants to manage spasticity or stiffness.
These therapies form the foundation of recovery but sometimes progress plateaus, leaving families searching for additional options.
Why Recovery Can Stall With Standard Approaches
After a stroke, traditional therapies such as physiotherapy and occupational therapy are the cornerstone of recovery. They help patients regain muscle strength, relearn basic movements, and improve balance. However, despite their importance, many survivors reach a point where progress slows or seems to plateau.
This happens because:
- Standard therapies don’t directly repair damaged brain networks. While they train the body to adapt, they don’t actively reactivate or strengthen neural pathways in the brain’s motor cortex that control movement.
- Repetitive exercises alone may feel discouraging. Performing the same physical tasks can sometimes lead to frustration, especially if noticeable improvements are slow.
- Neuroplasticity – the brain’s ability to rewire itself; is not always fully stimulated. Without additional interventions targeting the brain directly, the potential for significant gains may remain untapped.
This is why families often ask:
“Why is my recovery stuck even after months of physiotherapy?”
“How can I regain control of my arm or leg after a stroke?”
“Is there a new treatment for stroke weakness on one side of the body?”
That’s where Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (Deep TMS) comes in..
Deep TMS: A Breakthrough for Motor Recovery
Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (Deep TMS) is an advanced, non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate key regions of the brain responsible for voluntary movement.
By targeting the motor cortex and surrounding areas, Deep TMS helps the brain form new neural connections, a process known as neuroplasticity. This means the brain can “relearn” how to control muscles on the weakened side of the body.
How Deep TMS Supports Stroke Recovery
- Reactivates dormant motor pathways to help restore control over weakened limbs.
- Enhances coordination and balance, making walking and daily activities easier.
- Boosts motivation and mood, which are critical for engaging fully in rehabilitation.
- Complements physiotherapy and occupational therapy, amplifying their effectiveness.
This therapy is painless, requires no anesthesia, and fits seamlessly into outpatient rehabilitation programs. Each session lasts about 20–30 minutes, allowing patients to return home immediately afterward.
What to Expect from Deep TMS at Jaslok Hospital
At Jaslok Hospital, Mumbai, our Restorative & Regenerative Medicine team uses Neuronix Deep TMS systems, customized for stroke rehabilitation. The treatment protocol includes:
- 15–20 sessions over 3–4 weeks
- Each session lasts around 20 minutes
- Conducted alongside active physiotherapy
- Monitored by neurorehabilitation experts for safety and outcomes
- Regular assessments using motor scales
Patients often begin noticing improvements in balance, limb coordination, and grip control within the first two weeks.
Talk to Our Specialists –
FAQ's
Can Deep TMS help with stroke-related paralysis or weakness?
Yes. Deep TMS stimulates brain areas responsible for movement, helping stroke survivors regain control over weakened limbs caused by post-stroke hemiparesis or hemiplegia.
Is Deep TMS effective for chronic stroke patients?
Yes, even months or years after a stroke. Deep TMS promotes neuroplasticity, enabling the brain to form new connections that aid motor function recovery; especially when standard rehab has plateaued.
How soon can results be seen with Deep TMS after a stroke?
Some patients notice improvement in coordination, strength, or balance within 2–4 weeks of starting regular sessions, particularly when combined with physiotherapy.
What part of the brain does Deep TMS target for movement recovery?
It targets the primary motor cortex and surrounding regions responsible for voluntary movement on the affected side of the body.
Is Deep TMS painful or risky for stroke survivors?
No. Deep TMS is non-invasive, safe, and painless. It does not require surgery or sedation. Some may feel mild scalp discomfort initially, which fades over time.
What’s the difference between TMS and Deep TMS for stroke rehab?
Deep TMS reaches deeper brain regions compared to traditional TMS, making it more effective for complex conditions like hemiparesis where multiple motor circuits are involved.
How many sessions of Deep TMS are needed for stroke recovery?
Typically, 20–30 sessions over 4–6 weeks are recommended. The exact plan depends on the patient’s condition and rehabilitation goals.
Can Deep TMS be used alongside physiotherapy?
Absolutely. Deep TMS complements physiotherapy and occupational therapy, making motor rehabilitation faster and more effective.
Is Deep TMS available in Mumbai or India for stroke patients?
Yes. Jaslok Hospital offers Deep TMS therapy for stroke recovery in Mumbai, guided by specialists in neurology and rehabilitation medicine.