Neurological Physiotherapy
Our neurological physiotherapist, Celia, has been interested in the nervous system and how it affects the human body ever since studying to become a physiotherapist 15 years ago. Here, she describes what neurological physiotherapy is and how we can help you.
What is neurological physiotherapy?
Neurological physiotherapy involves the treatment of people with movement and function disorders that have originated from problems within the body’s nervous and neuromuscular system. These include problems with the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) such as Stroke and Parkinson’s Disease, and the peripheral nervous system (the nervous system outside of the brain and spinal cord) such as Guillain Barre Syndrome.
Due to the complexities of these systems, people with neurological conditions or injuries can have a variety of problems such as muscle stiffness or spasms (spasticity), muscle weakness, tremors, problems with sensation, coordination and balance. They can also have problems with memory and thought processes.
These symptoms can lead to problems with everyday activities such as walking, getting dressed and feeding.
What neurological conditions do we commonly treat?
Traumatic Brain Injury/ Head Injury
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Spinal Cord Injury
Cerebral Palsy (CP)
Parkinson’s Disease (PD)
Huntington’s Disease
Guillain Barre syndrome
Motor Neurone Disease
Muscular Dystrophy
Ataxias
Functional Neurological Disorder
How can we help you?
We understand that everyone is affected differently and we will work with you to understand how your disease, injury or accident has affected you personally.
We set goals with you right from the start and review these on a regular basis to make sure your treatment is tailored to your needs and the functional activities that you value the most.
Balance retraining
Gait re-education
Sensory re-education
Improved transfer techniques
Increase in upper limb function
Spasticity management
Pain management
Advice on orthotics and equipment
Increase ability to perform functional tasks
Fatigue management
Returning to work
Family or Caregiver education
How does neuro rehabilitation work?
The brain is able to both lose and form new connections, a phenomenon called neuroplasticity. We use a number of evidence-based techniques that aim to promote brain plasticity through specific exercises, repetition and re-training of normal movement patterns.
Neuro physiotherapy can also help slow down the rate of deterioration in some progressive neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease or Multiple Sclerosis for example through stretching, positioning and helping you managing muscle tone and fatigue for example.
Can I have neuro physiotherapy in my own home?
Absolutely. Our home visit service removes the stress of getting out in to the community and enables you to be treated in the comfort of your own home. Treating you in your own environment also allows us to see the difficulties you experience in your day-to-day life and adapt your exercises and treatment accordingly.