Neurological disorders are the primary cause of both physical and cognitive impairment globally. These conditions impact the brain’s communication structures with various body regions that enable movement, feeling, and thinking.
Similarly, Neurological disorders cause physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges that significantly impact daily life.
Moreover, Neurological Physical Therapy Services helps restore functional mobility, balance, strength, and coordination in patients with neurological conditions.
Furthermore, this therapy helps recover neurological injuries and prevents their progression.
Let’s explore the impacts of physical therapy on neurological disorders.
What are Neurological Disorders?
The central nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord, processes environmental information and connects the body to the brain. The peripheral nervous system, consisting of peripheral nerves, carries sensory information and controls unconsciously occurring processes.
Neurological disorders, affecting 15% of the global population, range from minor impairments to chronic conditions. Over 1,000 known disorders include Alzheimer’s, ALS, Bell’s Palsy, Cerebral palsy, dementia, and more.
Hence, Physical therapy can improve reflexes and reduce falls in older patients without requiring a neurological diagnosis.
Read more to know what happens in physical therapy for neurological disorders.
During your neurological physical therapy sessions, you may receive the following interventions.
Interventions in Neurological Physical Therapy Sessions
- Therapeutic muscle-stretching and strengthening activities that enhance motor control and coordination
- Improve your gait with gait training, including using assistive equipment like walkers, crutches, and canes.
- Balance training can help you balance static (stationary) and dynamic (moving). It can also help with core control while sitting unsupported and standing straight up.
- Cardiovascular workouts on machines such as ellipticals, stationary bikes, and treadmills
- Vestibular therapy interventions improve eye movement control and balance exercises with head movements. They also treat common dizziness caused by Dix-Hallpike and Epley maneuvers.
Benefits of Physical Therapy for Neurological Disorders
Manages Symptoms
Pain, spasms, and tremors are among the symptoms that physical therapy can help control. By working with a physical therapist, patients can learn strategies to help prevent these symptoms and enhance their quality of life.
Improves Mobility
Strengthening the muscles that support movement is one way that physical therapy can help increase mobility. It is crucial for those who suffer from diseases like Parkinson’s disease, as tremors and stiffness can impair movement.
Increases Balance and Coordination
Physical therapy can focus on activities that address these areas, which can help with balance and coordination. This can enhance general movement and assist in avoiding falls.
Prevents Complications
Physical therapy can help prevent potential side effects of neurological diseases, such as contractures and muscle weakening.
Similarly, it can help prevent the development of these issues by focusing on activities that target these areas.
Additionally, This approach to care increases the quality of life for patients with neurological conditions and lessens the need for regular visits to urgent care facilities.
What does a physical therapy neurological test measure?
This test evaluates the coordination of body parts and motor control between the brain and muscles. It makes it easier to assess if the brain’s messages reach the muscles promptly, effectively, and healthily.
Which Type of Conditions Treated by Physical Therapy?
Neurological physical therapy can treat various conditions, including:
- Strokes
- spinal cord injuries
- trauma
- multiple sclerosis
- Parkinson’s disease
- cerebral palsy
- ALS
- Guillain-Barre syndrome
- Polyneuropathies
- Vertigo
These conditions require regular physical therapy and at-home exercises to maintain optimal well-being.
