What is Neurological Physiotherapy
What is Neurological Physiotherapy
Neurological conditions are any problems that occur in the brain, spinal cord, or nerves. People can experience difficulties in physical function, which can include, Alzheimer's disease, ALS, brain injury, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, facial palsy, and spinal cord injury. It also includes conditions of the peripheral nervous system such as Guillain Barre Syndrome.
Neurological conditions can have a devastating impact on the lives of the sufferers, along with family and friends. Disturbances in the traveling of messages between the brain and the body can result in the loss of movement, sensation, coordination, and balance. Other aspects of bodily function, such as perception, speech, memory, cognition, and behavior may also be affected. Effective communication between patient, family members, and the multidisciplinary team is critical to positive healthcare outcomes following a neurological disorder
Common problems associated with neurologic conditions include
impairments of vision,
balance,
ambulation,
movement, muscle strength and loss of functional independence,
mobility, range of movement, coordination, and balance
Some types of neurological conditions include-
Stroke,
Traumatic Brain Injuries,
Multiple Sclerosis,
functional neurological disorders, and
Cerebral Palsy.
WHAT NEURO-REHAB DOES-
- Neurological physiotherapists are experienced and trained to treat neurological conditions to provide interventions that assist an individual to regain or maintain their maximum movement and functional independence. This is achieved by aiding in the development of new pathways through repetition and exercise.
- Neurological physiotherapy targets neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity (the capacity of neurons and neural networks in the brain to change their connections and behavior in response to new information) is the ability of neural networks in the brain to change and adapt through experience, growth, and re-organization. You want to promote neuroplasticity early on after injury and encourage the brain to form new synaptic connections. Research has shown that neuroplasticity and the window of rehabilitation gains extend beyond one year and later even with chronic stages of stroke. It is never too late to start neuro physio rehab.
- Family members and caregivers are encouraged to be involved in the process as they are crucial to rehabilitation success. This improves morale and keeps patients motivated, but neuro-physiotherapy exercise requires high repetition. Everyone involved can therefore make sure neuro-physiotherapy exercises are being done at home.
- Treatment differs from patient to patient to your specific condition and symptoms as a patient can present very differently with the same condition.
WHO NEEDS AND WHAT IS TREATED UNDER NEURO PHYSIOTHERAPY
Problem treated in Neuro Physiotherapy also includes:
➤ Headache
➤ Head injury
➤ Meningitis
➤ Spinal cord injury
➤ Alzheimer’s Disease
➤ Bell’s Palsy
➤ Brain tumors
➤ Epilepsy/ Seizures
➤ Vertigo
➤ Parkinson’s disease in the elderly
➤ Tremors
➤ Stroke
➤ Meningitis
➤ Muscular Dystrophy
WHEN TO SEEK NEURO PHYSIOTHERAPIST/NEURO-REHAB:
To move muscles effectively your brain and spinal cord send signals down to the muscles. When damage occurs to the nervous system the signals do not get to a certain degree. That is where neuro physiotherapy comes in to picture what is affected in the body, get those nervous system signals going again, and retrain normal movement pathways.
Symptoms and presentations are varied depending on where the injury has occurred in the nervous system and that is why an assessment is crucial to determine what treatment is required.
You may experience difficulty with everyday tasks such as walking. Relearning to walk may involve practicing normal movement patterns, stretches, and flexibility, and re-learning how to balance one leg.
Patients progress at different speeds. Some may require equipment such as walking aids, foot splints, or orthotics. You will need a baseline assessment to see where you are at.
PRINCIPLES OF NEUROLOGICAL PHYSIOTHERAPY-
Neurological physiotherapy is based on numerous principles of rehabilitation.
The brain is dynamic and capable of adapting to change, the following injury to the brain or spinal cord.
Employing a problem solving and eclectic approach, adapting treatment to patients' symptoms/extent of the injury
Encouraging whatever movement is possible and building on it, through; strengthening, sensory stimulation, positive reinforcement, and verbal feedback.
Encouragement of normal movement and function
Correcting and varying positioning and posture in lying, sitting, and standing
Promotion of functional activities based on daily tasks
Use of verbal and visual prompts to encourage the patient to think about the task and learn from the treatment
Prevention of muscle shortening as this leads to spasticity and abnormal movement.
Implementation of realistic goals that are measured and time-framed.
Actively engaging the patient in treatment sessions
Achieving as great a degree of independence and quality of life as possible
TREATMENT PROCEDURE-
A physiotherapist will undertake a comprehensive assessment of your strength, coordination, and balance and will then tailor a treatment program to your unique needs.
Depending on the impairment, your physiotherapy treatment may include:
- Passive Limb Exercises: if you are unable to move your arms and legs yourself;
- Positioning / Splinting: correct limb positioning, or splint prescription, to ensure that your joints don’t tighten;
- Bed Exercises: to stretch and strengthen your muscles;
- Breathing and Circulation Exercises: to prevent respiratory and vascular complications such as chest infection and DVTs;
- Mobilization: assistance to move safely in bed, sit up, stand and walk;
- Mobility Aids: prescription, advice, and instruction on how to safely use a walking frame, or other walking aids as required;
- Discharge Planning: information regarding any necessary equipment that you may require at home after discharge;
- Tailored Exercise: exercises to build strength, endurance, coordination, and balance.
APPROACHES USED IN NEURO REHAB
Many approaches can be followed in a neurological rehabilitation center, along with various techniques. A combination of these approaches produces a personalized plan which meets the goals of the patient. Some of the significant approaches are:
Bobath Approach: It is used to improve functional movement. It relies on practicing movement patterns and is launched step by step with the facilitation process that is initiated by a physiotherapist.
Brunnstrom Approach: Here the patients will have to focus on functional movements, and it uses combinations of stimuli to elicit muscular movements.
Carr and Shepherd Approach: This approach is used for enhancing functional movements which involves practicing the functional movements, as a whole process. This means that the patient cannot rely on just correctly performing the movements, but they have to keep rehearsing them repetitively to achieve the desired result.
Mobility Rehabilitation: This approach for neurology treatment includes developing a method that allows the patient to move around independently and safely. This also includes various balance exercises that will ensure that you are completely safe and on your feet.
Contracture Management Approach: This treatment approach looks at releasing tension in tight muscles. It includes splinting, casting, and tilt tabling.
Neurological physiotherapy principles provide the most beneficial treatment for our patients. These include the Bobath Concept (normal movement), motor relearning, and the Brunnstrom Approach (synergistic movement) functional rehabilitation. The treatment approach used varies depending on the individual, their symptoms, and their goals. This allows us to maximize the potential of our patients.
CONDITION THAT MAY BENEFIT FROM NEURO REHAB
Grievous injuries or serious diseases can affect the nervous system’s functions. The treatment of such nervous disorders necessitates patients to opt for neuro physiotherapy that improves the quality of their lives in the long run. The physiological conditions that may benefit from neuro-rehabilitation programs include:
Vascular disorders resulting in blood clots, brain hemorrhages, and transient ischemic attacks
Serious infections including meningitis, encephalitis, polio, and, brain abscesses
Traumatic injuries to the brain or spinal cord
Structural anomalies or neurological disorders including the most grievous ones like Bell palsy, cervical spondylosis, muscular dystrophy, and Guillain-Barré syndrome
Functional problems due to headaches, frequent seizures, dizzy feelings, and neuralgia
Degenerative nerve diseases include Alzheimer’s disease, Friedreich’s ataxia, Huntington's chorea, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and more.
BENEFITS OF NEURO REHAB
Patients suffering from one or more neurological conditions experience loss of muscular functions, weakness, less stamina, a decrease in balance, and many more physiological problems. During neuro-rehabilitation physiotherapy, the doctors help patients by working on their disorders related to movement. Besides, the therapy also helps patients regain their confidence by improving their lost mobility. Neurological physiotherapy works by targeting and enhancing movement, strength, coordination, and balance.
The benefits of a neuro physiotherapy program include:
Increase in range of motion for joints
Improves cardio, especially respiratory functions
Enhances the quality of life for stroke patients Enhanced balance and coordination
Improved gait
Optimizing the functions of affected areas
Increasing endurance and stamina
Reduces muscle contractions
Encourages and optimizes independence
Relief from pain and inflammation
Posture correction
HOW WCH HELPS
You don’t need to sweat it out and keep searching “neuro physiotherapist near me” to find the right physiotherapist. We, at WCH, are committed to offering best-in-class Physiotherapy services at reasonable rates. Here are more reasons to trust us:
WCH has on its panel a team of highly experienced and specialized Neurological physiotherapists offering effective care and treatment.
It is easy to get appointments quickly through our website, at your convenience.
WCH is a one-shop stop for all medical care services. We also offer lab tests and medical equipment rentals, making healthcare convenient for all.
Our trained physiotherapists are aware of the latest developments in technology and use advanced devices to monitor patient progress.
Our physiotherapy services are highly individualized and depend on patients’ needs.
