Neurological Physiotherapy-  A Detailed Explanation

Neurological disorders can impact a wide range of bodily functions such as mobility, balance and muscle strength. Parkinson’s disease, for instance, is a progressive neurological condition that affects movement control. It causes balance problems, stiffness and slowness of movement. Neurological physiotherapy is an extended branch of physiotherapy that deals with the movement problems caused by neurological conditions. This blog discusses the role of physiotherapy in neuro-rehabilitation among patients of varying ages. 

What are Neurological Conditions?

You must already know what physiotherapy is and how it benefits people. But, what does it have to do with neurological conditions? Let’s find out. 

Neurological disorders are the ones that affect the components of your nervous system which comprises the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerves. 

Symptoms of neurological conditions

• Chronic pain
• Muscle weakness
• Difficulty with balance and coordination
• Numbness
• Cognitive impairments

Examples of neurological conditions

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Stroke 
• Peripheral Neuropathy
• Spinal Cord Injury
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

Medications and surgery are common treatments for neuro-conditions. But, physiotherapy is a non-invasive, rehabilitation therapy that treats function and movement problems caused by the neuro-conditions mentioned above.

What is the Role of Neurological Physiotherapy?

Several neuro-conditions like Parkinson’s disease and MS cause problems with mobility, range of motion, coordination and muscle strength. This is where the role of neurological physiotherapy comes into play. 

From spinal cord injuries to Gullain-Barre syndrome, neurological physiotherapy helps manage a gamut of neurological conditions. It reduces pain, maximizes movement potential and improves muscle strength. The treatments focus on helping the patient get back to an active lifestyle efficiently. 

5 key Ways Physiotherapy Helps in Neurological Rehab

Better mobility and movement pattern

Neurological disorders affect mobility, range of motion and gait. Let’s take Guillain-Barre Syndrome for example. It is an acute disorder where the body’s immune system attacks the peripheral nerves. This causes difficulty in walking, an unsteady gait, loss of reflexes and weakness in the legs.

Physiotherapists use gait training and balance exercises to help patients regain their ability to walk again. They tailor the exercises after assessing the patient thoroughly. 

Enhanced muscle strength and coordination

Muscle weakness and coordination problems are the two most common symptoms of neuro conditions. Let’s take Parkinson’s Disease for example. It affects movement control due to the loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain. Thus, the patients experience muscle weakness, and impaired balance leading to frequent falls. 

Physiotherapy treatments focus on enhancing your muscle strength, balance and coordination. Physiotherapists use strengthening and stretching exercises to relieve muscle stiffness and rigidity. The patients, hence, can maintain their independence and quality of life.

No spasticity and muscle stiffness

Neurological conditions like Cerebral palsy or Stroke increase muscle tone and stiffness. Multiple Sclerosis, for instance, is a chronic disorder where the immune system attacks the myelin in the central nervous system. Muscle weakness and spasticity are common symptoms. 

Physiotherapy treatments focus on reducing this spasticity and preventing contractures. Techniques such as stretching exercises and positioning training also improve the range of motion and help patients perform daily tasks efficiently. 

Better balance and coordination

Neurological disorders take a toll on your balance and coordination. This also increases the risk of falls where the patients can hurt themselves while trying to do the basic everyday tasks.

Let’s take Cerebellar Ataxia for instance. 

It is a condition that affects the part of the brain responsible for maintaining balance and coordinating movement. Thus, the patient suffers from an unsteady gait, tremors, difficulty with coordination and vertigo. 

Neurological physiotherapists help patients manage these symptoms through balance training, coordination exercises, gait training and vestibular rehabilitation. You can lead a better quality of life with full physical independence.

Recovery of physical function

Neurological disorders take a toll on your brain’s ability to reorganize and form new neural connections. Thus, you may struggle to perform repetitive daily life activities. Physiotherapy treatments, however, restore your ability to perform daily activities independently. Physiotherapists may use assistive devices, exercises and other therapies to manage the symptoms of neurological conditions. 

When to Start the Physiotherapy Treatments?

The sooner you start the treatments, the quicker you will be able to recover. Physiotherapy is often an integral part of neurological rehabilitation where the patient gets ready to restore an active lifestyle. Once you are diagnosed with the condition, your health practitioner is most likely to recommend physiotherapy for complete recovery. You should consult with a licenced physiotherapist such as the ones available at Physiotherapy First as soon as possible and begin your recovery journey.