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Making movement rehabilitation possible for all stroke survivors.

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Why do we exist?

Stroke is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. There are 12 million people who have a stroke every year, with this number expected to increase in the next 10 years due many factors, which include an ageing population and urbanisation.

The burden and cost of care and rehabilitation for people with stroke are climbing. Every country has its resource limitations, and best practice care does not always translate across geographical borders, systems, languages, culture and socioeconomic statuses. 

We created GliaMoves to democratise education and health and give millions of people the chance to receive neurological rehabilitation and interventions otherwise out of reach.

And we’re starting with the area of most need – the arm and hand. According to research, upper limb impairment is a common complication of stroke, affecting up to 80% of stroke survivors. Of these, around 30-66% experience persistent problems that affect everyday life.

Support us in the fight against stroke!

Our values

Trusted

Backed by evidence and clinical experience, our team will always stay abreast of research to deliver programs that are grounded in science.

Accessible

First world stroke rehabilitation should not be limited by where you live and the language you speak. We will do what we can to make it accessible for all.

Innovate

We will not stop searching for more and better ways to improve the lives of stroke survivors through better movement.

Impact

We will strive to make a real difference to the lives of stroke survivors through sharing our knowledge and reach everyone who would benefit.

Keegan Bow

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Leanne Tao

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Changing the way stroke survivors access rehabilitation, one step at a time.

Making movement rehabilitation possible for all stroke survivors.

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Keegan Bow

Why is GliaMoves so important to you?

For so long, I have striven to help as many people as I could to improve their knowledge, self-management and ability to progress their recovery after stroke. My work as a neurological physiotherapist allows me to see people on a daily and individualised basis, focusing on their specific movement problems that we solve progressively each session and see real change. I want this to happen for more people who aren’t as fortunate to live in or be able to travel to expert neurological physiotherapists work to level up their rehabilitation, because Glia Moves transcends borders, languages and cultures that we know influence the access and quality of healthcare worldwide after stroke.

What is the most memorable person you have ever cared for as a neurological physiotherapist?

There are so many people I remember caring for even after doing this for over 15 years! For me I will never forget the woman who I helped go from fully wheelchair bound to walking with a stick and returning home after being initially discharged to a nursing home from hospital. We took about 4 months to achieve this with the help of her family and support staff, she made a significant recovery and is now still enjoying living at home with her husband in her family home and garden which she adores. 

What advice have you got for stroke survivors looking to improve their movement and function?

I would say to never lose hope and to never give up. For many stroke survivors they are given black and white advice about whether they will or will not be able to do things after a stroke. The research and the scientific evidence are constantly evolving and along with this more treatments as well. We now understand stroke and neuroplasticity in our brain, spinal cord and nerves much better than we did even 5 years ago, and for a start you have got to align yourself with services and people who will support you. It’s a challenging road ahead and while it can be hard, it can also be rewarding when you look back and see what progress you have made. Having a stroke is probably one of the most significant things that may ever happen to a person that changes the trajectory of their remaining lifetime, and so resilience and determination will be what it takes to succeed.

Why should people use GliaMoves?

For starters, GliaMoves is a unique access anywhere learning and movement recovery platform that guides you through a step-by-step walkthrough of what to do, how to do it and why it matters. Everything has been carefully designed to meet the needs of a stroke survivor no matter how early or late you may be starting.

What is the best advice you have for people on the program?

My best advice is to be consistent. The people who do best in our programs are dedicated, motivated and consistent in the way they show up to the way the program has been structured. No one can do it for you, so you need to put in the time, effort and energy to get results. It also doesn’t matter if you find it difficult the first few times – persist and stay consistent and it is likely to get easier with practise and familiarity. Growth and change happens when difficult things are overcome!

Leanne Tao

Why is GliaMoves so important to you?

GliaMoves has been 2 years in the making and it is the culmination of passion, expertise and innovation that has led us to create this platform. I feel very privileged to use my training and knowledge to play a part in improving the lives of stroke survivors through movement recovery. We are real clinicians here to make a real difference to as many people as possible in the world.

What is the most memorable person you have ever cared for as a neurological physiotherapist?

I was 24 years old at the time and I was looking after a young man with a catastrophic brain injury as a result of a car accident. He was 20 years old and lived in a nursing home, requiring 24/7 care. To this day, I remember very vividly the moment I met him – he was curled up in his bed, alone in his dark bedroom, with a feeding tube. Unable to move, speak or see (he had double vision so kept his eyes closed). His spasticity was so intense he couldn’t move from a curled up position in bed. Along with an incredible rehabilitation and surgical team who believed in him, and unwavering support from his family and carers, I saw him several times a week for two years. In that time, he eventually learned to stand, walk, eat, drink and communicate. His laughter was contagious. He moved into a supported home with friends his own age and carers who took him out to places he enjoyed. He changed the way I see possibility in neurological rehabilitation.

What advice have you got for stroke survivors looking to improve their movement and function?

It’s easy to say the brain can rewire itself, but to do so requires incredible persistence, motivation and time. I think the best advice I can give would be to not forget to be kind to yourself, always. Surround yourself with positive people who will give you the encouragement, kindness and motivation. And remember, it’s ok to not be ok; reach out to your community and health professionals to get the support and help along the way.

Why should people use GliaMoves?

Because it is the first online platform that focuses on movement recovery for stroke survivors. It brings evidence informed therapy directly to you to give you a boost in your movement recovery journey.

What is the best advice you have for people on the program?

Give it a good go. You’re not going to get everything right the first time, sometimes not even the second time, but remember the power of repetition and persistence. Know that there are real people here ready and willing to give you guidance if you need it.