Yes. The idea that recovery “stops” at six months is one of the most damaging things families are told — and it is not accurate.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Dharam Pandey, MPT, PhD
Last reviewed: 2 August 2026 · Our clinical team
Where the myth comes from
Most spontaneous neurological recovery does happen in the first months. Rates of change are fastest early, and formal rehabilitation services in many systems end around that point. People then hear “the window has closed”, when what has actually closed is their funded therapy.
Myth versus reality
| What people are told | What is actually the case |
|---|---|
| “Recovery stops at six months” | The rate of spontaneous change slows. The capacity to improve with training does not disappear. |
| “If they can’t do it by now, they never will” | Function that has not been specifically trained has often simply not been trained. |
| “They’ve plateaued” | A plateau often reflects the current programme, not the person’s ceiling. |
What changes after six months
Gains tend to become more specific: they follow what is practised rather than appearing broadly. Progress is usually slower and needs more deliberate effort, and endurance, confidence and quality of movement often improve more than raw strength.
This is precisely why a reassessment is worthwhile if someone has been static for a long time. The question is not “is more recovery possible?” but “what specifically is being trained, how often, and is it hard enough?”
What to do if you have been told nothing more can be done
- Ask what specific goal was being worked toward, and how it was measured
- Ask what would need to change for progress to resume
- Seek a fresh assessment — a different pair of eyes often identifies untrained function
- Be realistic: some things will not return, and an honest clinician will tell you which
We would rather tell you clearly what we think is achievable than encourage indefinite therapy with no target.
Frequently asked questions
Is it worth starting therapy years after a stroke?
It can be, particularly where a specific goal has never been trained directly. An assessment will tell you whether it is worth your time and money.
Will the arm come back after a year?
Upper-limb recovery is generally harder than walking, and severe early arm weakness predicts a harder path. That is honest rather than hopeless — usable function and comfort are still worth working on.
Related
Medical disclaimer: this article is general information and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It is not a substitute for individual assessment. See our medical disclaimer.