How Can Therapists Use the Concept of Lifelong Neuroplasticity to Reshape Patient Outlook and Recovery Planning?

Therapists play a critical role in correcting the widespread misconception that brain recovery is limited to a six- to twelve-month window following injury. Neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to reorganize and form new neural pathways—persists across the lifespan. Although the rate of change naturally slows over time, meaningful functional improvements can still occur even decades after a stroke or traumatic brain injury. Recognizing this allows therapists to reframe the rehabilitation timeline for patients, replacing urgency and fear with realistic hope and empowerment.

Educating patients and families about this ongoing capacity for change is essential, especially given that much of the initial education delivered during the acute recovery phase is unlikely to be retained due to shock and emotional overload. Therapists must revisit these discussions throughout the continuum of care, tailoring the content and timing to the individual’s readiness and emotional state. Importantly, clients must be aware that neuroplasticity is not automatic but driven by active engagement, repetition, effort, and meaningful participation. Therapists can enhance motivation, support self-efficacy, and improve long-term outcomes by positioning clients as collaborators in their recovery.

This Ask the Expert is an edited excerpt from the course, "Changing The Brain: Using The Principles Of Neuroplasticity And Motor Learning To Improve Functional Outcomes In Acquired Brain Injury," presented by Angela Reimer, OTD, MOT, OTR, CBIST.