What is Neurological Rehab and How Can It Help Me?

 

What is Neurological rehabilitation?

Neurological rehabilitation is a type of physical therapy aimed at improving the mobility, independence and physical and motor functions of individuals who have suffered from a neurological injury or condition such as a stroke, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson’s disease, Guillaine-Barré Syndrome and more.

What are neurological physiotherapists?

Neurological physiotherapists are physiotherapists who specialise in the treatment and management of individuals with neurological conditions such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injury, and traumatic brain injury. They use a combination of physical techniques, exercises, and assistive technology to help these individuals regain physical function, reduce pain and improve quality of life.

Neurological physiotherapists are trained to assess and understand the specific impairments and limitations caused by neurological conditions, and develop individualised treatment plans to address these challenges. They work in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including neurologists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists, to provide comprehensive and coordinated care to individuals with neurological conditions.

How can neurological physiotherapy help?

After suffering a stroke, acquired brain injury or other problem affecting the neurological system, patients can be left with several deficits such as 

• Hemiplegia or hemiparesis: weakness or paralysis on one side of the body
• Ataxia: loss of coordination and balance
• Spasticity: increased muscle tone that leads to tight or stiff muscles
• Neglect: inattention to one side of the body or environment
• Gait impairments
• Difficulty with mobility: walking, getting into or out of bed, dressing, and feeding oneself.

 

Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in neurological rehabilitation. Physical therapy can help people with these deficits in several ways, including:

• • Improving mobility

    • Through strengthening, stretching and balance exercises, neurological rehabilitation can help to improve an individual’s ability to walk, balance, and perform daily activities.

  • Restoring function

    • Physiotherapy can help restore function and movement in limbs that have been affected by a neurological injury or condition, such as a stroke. 

  • Regaining independence

    • Through task retraining and motor learning, neurological rehabilitation can help individuals regain independence and perform daily tasks, such as dressing, eating, and bathing, on their own.

  • Reducing symptoms

    • Using a variety of hands-on and exercise-based techniques, neurological physiotherapy can help reduce the symptoms such as chronic pain, spasticity, and tremors, improving independence and quality of life.

  • Enhancing breathing and lung function

    • For individuals with conditions such as multiple sclerosis, polio, or muscular dystrophy, physiotherapy can help improve breathing and lung function through respiratory exercises, assisted coughing and secretion clearance techniques.

  • Improving cardiovascular function and endurance

    • Physiotherapy can also improve cardiovascular and respiratory function, helping to increase endurance and reduce fatigue.

  • Improving emotional well-being and quality of life

    • Through fostering motor recovery, improved independence, and helping patients perform daily activities with greater ease, neurological rehabilitation can help individuals enhance their overall quality of life and satisfaction with their physical abilities.

 

Overall, neurological physiotherapy can help individuals with neurological conditions to improve their physical function, increase their independence, and improve their quality of life. It is important to work closely with a physiotherapist to develop a personalised rehabilitation plan. Our expert neurological rehabilitation specialists can assess your overall condition, analyse your specific deficits and needs and create a treatment plan to help you achieve your goals.  Call us today to book an appointment and start your rehab journey now!