Small Wins After Concussion or Stroke: Why They Matter More Than You Think
When someone experiences a Stroke or a Concussion, the path to recovery can feel overwhelming. Big goals — “walk independently”, “return to work”, “resume driving” — often seem distant. That’s why small wins matter so much. These modest, meaningful steps forward not only build momentum physically, but emotionally and cognitively too.
What are “small wins”?
A “small win” might be something as simple as:
standing up from a chair without assistance
reaching for a glass and drinking by oneself
returning to a favorite hobby for 10 minutes
sitting up for longer without fatigue
In the context of stroke recovery, one survivor described how moving from a wheelchair to walking across an airport corridor—then eventually hiking again—were “small wins” that laid the foundation for bigger change. (strokeonward.org)
The point is: each of these steps may seem minor, but cumulatively they reshape identity, capability and confidence.
Why small wins are so powerful
Here are key reasons why these incremental achievements matter — and are backed by research:
Boosting motivation and self‐efficacy
Research on stroke rehab shows that experiences of success and progress are major drivers of motivation, which in turn influences engagement, adherence to therapy, and ultimately outcomes. (Frontiers)
One review highlighted that among stroke survivors, motivational strategies like “defining realistic goals”, “showcasing success stories”, and “personalising the rehabilitation program” were important. (PMC)
So, each small win is more than a checklist item — it reshapes how the person sees themselves (“I can do this”), which opens doors to more participation and growth.
Neuroplasticity and recovery physiology
While much of recovery after stroke or concussion is complex and variable, the brain does change and adapt. For example, in concussion recovery, some studies found that supervised, low‐to‐moderate aerobic exercise after the acute symptomatic period can speed return to activity. (michiganmedicine.org)
And in long-term outcomes of brain injury, independence often improves between 1 and 5 years post-injury — showing that recovery continues beyond early windows. (JAMA Network)
Putting these together: one way to unlock the brain’s capacity to change is by doing doable tasks, gradually increasing challenge, celebrating success, then increasing again.
Emotional well‐being and resilience
Recovery from neurological injury isn’t just physical. Feelings of frustration, loss, uncertainty, and identity shift are common. Studies emphasise that acknowledging and celebrating small victories can reduce feelings of helplessness, build self‐esteem, and support emotional resilience. (Omics Online Publishing)
One article put it this way:
“A small win reduces importance (‘this is no big deal’), reduces demands (‘that’s all that needs to be done’), and raises perceived skill levels (‘I can do at least that’).” (strokeonward.org)
That’s a powerful mindset shift in the healing journey.
How to harness small wins in therapy & everyday life
Here are practical ideas — for therapists, patients and caregivers — to make this work:
Break big goals into micro‐steps. For example, if your ultimate goal is “return to golf”, a first micro‐step might be “swing club from chair with no back support” or “walk 200 feet on the putting green”.
Track and celebrate progress. Keep a log or visual board of achievements—even small ones (“buttoned shirt today without help”, “ate dinner independently”).
Tailor challenge to the person. Progress means stretching the ability slightly — not staying entirely comfortable, but not overwhelming.
Involve the emotional/cognitive side. Ask: “How did that feel?” “What did you notice about your hand/leg today?” Recognising the emotional win matters as much as the physical win.
Encourage regular review. Weekly or bi‐weekly check‐ins help recognise patterns of progress (or plateaus) and adjust the plan.
Make it visible. Invite the patient (and family) to reflect: “Ten days ago you needed help standing; today you stood for 45 seconds.”
Re‐frame “setbacks”. Remind that recovery is non-linear. A “worse day” may not mean failure — it means another data point, another small step may be closer.
Connect the win to meaning. Help anchor each small win to something meaningful: independence, hobby, family role, quality of life. That makes the win resonate.
Why this matters for Orca Therapy
At Orca Therapy, our mission is functional, meaningful recovery — helping people get back to life, not just “therapy tasks”. Emphasising small wins aligns with that mission in three ways:
We meet people where they are, using goals that matter to them (not just what “usually works”).
We build momentum — knowing that many big achievements are the sum of many small steps.
We honour the journey, including the emotional and cognitive dimensions, not just the physical.
Final thoughts
If you or someone you care for is navigating concussion or stroke recovery, remember: small wins are not trivial—they’re essential. They create the building blocks of bigger returns. They reinforce the brain’s capacity to change. They lift the spirit. They keep you moving forward.
So, celebrate that moment you reached the sink and brushed your teeth independently. Or the first time you walked 50 feet without support. Recognize it. Share it. Use it as fuel for the next step.
At Orca Therapy, we’re here to help you design those steps, track them, and build toward what matters. Because recovery is not only about “getting back to what you were” — it’s about becoming more empowered and capable in what you can be.
References:
“Small Wins Add Up” — Stroke Onward (April 29 2021) [https://www.stroke.org/en/stroke-connection/stroke-onward/small-wins-add-up] stroke.org
Active Recovery from Concussion — Leddy et al. (2018) [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7046089/] PMC
Study Suggests Exercise After Concussion Improves Recovery — Michigan Medicine (2019) [https://www.michiganmedicine.org/health-lab/study-suggests-exercise-after-concussion-improves-recovery] michiganmedicine.org
Motivation for Rehabilitation in Patients With Subacute Stroke — Yoshida et al. (2021) [https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fresc.2021.664758/full] Frontiers
Motivational strategies used by healthcare professionals in stroke rehabilitation — Fernandes et al. (2024) [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11133544/] PMC
Functional Recovery, Symptoms, and Quality of Life 1 to 5 Years After Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) — Nelson et al. (2023) [https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2802668} JAMA Network
